COUNCIL OF Brussels, 9 October 2012 THE EUROPEAN UNION 14605… · 14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 6 DG C...

14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 1 DG C Coord EN

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 9 October 2012

14605/1/12 REV 1

PESC 1195 FIN 724

REVISED OUTCOME OF PROCEEDINGS from: Employment, Social Policy, Health And Consumer Affairs Council on: 4 October 2012 Subject: Main aspects and basis choices of the CFSP (point G, paragraph 43 of the

Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006) - 2011 - Annual report from the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to the European Parliament

Delegations will find enclosed the Main aspects and basis choices of the CFSP (point G, paragraph

43 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006) - 2011 - Annual report from the High

Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to the European

Parliament, as endorsed by the Council (Employment, Social Policy, Health And Consumer Affairs)

on 4 October 2012.

__________________


MAIN ASPECTS AND BASIS CHOICES OF THE CFSP (POINT G, PARAGRAPH 43 OF THE INTERINSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENT

OF 17 MAY 2006) -2011

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 4

PART I: LOOKING BACK AT 2011 ................................................................................................. 7

A. Overview of activities by regions ..................................................................................... 7

Middle East and Southern neighbourhood........................................................................ 7

North Africa ........................................................................................................... 10

Middle East ............................................................................................................ 13

Arabian Peninsula, Iran & Iraq .............................................................................. 18

Regional Cooperation ............................................................................................ 21

Russia, Eastern Neighbourhood and Central Asia .......................................................... 22

Russian Federation................................................................................................. 22

Eastern Partnership – Bilateral .............................................................................. 24

Eastern Partnership – Multilateral ......................................................................... 28

Central Asia ........................................................................................................... 29

Western Balkans ............................................................................................................. 31

Turkey and Western European Neighbours .................................................................... 38

Turkey .................................................................................................................... 38

Western Europe ..................................................................................................... 40

Asia ................................................................................................................................. 41

South Asia.............................................................................................................. 42

South East Asia ...................................................................................................... 45

East Asia ................................................................................................................ 46

Pacific .................................................................................................................... 50

Africa .............................................................................................................................. 51

West Africa ............................................................................................................ 52

East Africa ............................................................................................................. 54

Central Africa ........................................................................................................ 58

Southern Africa...................................................................................................... 60

Americas ......................................................................................................................... 61

North America ....................................................................................................... 61

South America ....................................................................................................... 64


B. Addressing threats and Global Challenges ..................................................................... 68

Non-Proliferation of WMD and Conventional Weapons ............................................... 68

Terrorism and Organised Crime ..................................................................................... 73

Conflict Prevention and Mediation ................................................................................. 75

Energy Security............................................................................................................... 76

Climate Change and Security.......................................................................................... 78

C. Contribution to a more Effective Multilateral Order ...................................................... 79

United Nations ................................................................................................................ 79

OSCE .............................................................................................................................. 80

Council of Europe ........................................................................................................... 81

D. Promotion of Human Rights, Democracy and the rule of law........................................ 82

E. Crisis response ................................................................................................................ 91

F. More effective, capable and coherent Crisis Management through CSDP .................... 95

More capable................................................................................................................... 97

Civilian and Military Capabilities 97

Pooling and sharing of military capabilities 98

Lessons learned and best practices in civilian CSDP 99

Training and exercises 100

More effective ............................................................................................................... 100

Co-operation with partners .................................................................................. 100

EU-UN Co-operation ........................................................................................... 101

EU-NATO............................................................................................................ 101

EU-AU ................................................................................................................. 103

Co-operation with Partner Countries ................................................................... 104

EU Satellite Centre .............................................................................................. 105

More Coherent .............................................................................................................. 106

PART II: LOOKING AHEAD AT 2012 ......................................................................................... 107

ANNEX I: CFSP BUDGET - COMMITMENTS IN 2011 ............................................................. 115

ANNEX II: OVERVIEW OF SANCTIONS DECISIONS 2011 .................................................... 117

ANNEX III: OVERVIEW OF DECLARATIONS AND STATEMENTS IN 2011 ...................... 123

ANNEX IV: PRESENCE OF HR/VP ASHTON IN THE EP ........................................................ 126

ANNEX V: PRESENCE OF SENIOR EEAS OFFICIALS IN THE EP ........................................ 130


HIGH REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON CFSP

ACTIVITIES IN 2011

Introduction

This report covers the EU’s activities in the area of CFSP for 2011, the year in which the European

External Action Service (EEAS) started operating and in which representatives of the High

Representative (who were or became staff of the EEAS) took over the chairing of almost all of the

Council's CFSP preparatory bodies from the rotating Presidency.

The main task of the EEAS is to support the High Representative in fulfilling her mandate, making

full use of the potential of the Treaty of Lisbon to promote increased coherence of EU external

action. This means bringing substance and presence to the foreign policy agenda across the board,

drawing on the full range of policy instruments and assets. The network of 140 EU Delegations is

an important tool as they are increasingly the focus of the action of the EEAS, not only through

their growing contribution to political, diplomatic and policy work, but also in the support they

provide to Member States.

There has been a significant upgrade in the crisis response capabilities, including through the

creation of a Crisis Management Board to co-ordinate measures related to crisis prevention,

preparedness and response capabilities to crises of all types.

At the start of her mandate, the High Representative set three priorities for EU external relations

over 2011-2012: first, the establishment of a functioning EEAS; second, fostering deeper relations

with the EU’s neighbours, with the aim of promoting democracy, stability and prosperity; and third,

the building of strong strategic partnerships with existing and emerging global players.

The events of 2011 have confirmed that these were the right priorities, defining the EU’s role as a

global and regional political actor. The EU’s fundamental values of democracy, the respect for

human rights and the consolidation of the Rule of Law, underpin their implementation.


With the Arab Spring radically changing the political landscape of the EU’s southern

neighbourhood, the EU acted decisively in support of change. The March 2011 joint

communication on ‘A Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity with the Southern

Mediterranean’ and the May 2011 2011 joint communication on ‘A New Response to a Changing

Neighbourhood’ (a review of European Neighbourhood Policy) defined the strategic framework of

the EU’s response, focusing on the fostering of ‘deep democracy’ and bringing together the

different tools at our disposal.

The High Representative, assisted by the EEAS, took a leading role in international coordination

efforts, striving for convergence of views within the international community even on those issues

(such as the Libyan crisis) which had proven to be more divisive.

During 2011, the EU played a key role in some of the most topical political issues: it stepped up its

efforts to move forward on the Middle East Peace Process, by pushing for a more active role of the

Quartet. It also led international efforts to find a lasting and comprehensive solution to the Iranian

nuclear issue.

In pursuit of a more focused and effective EU policy towards its main strategic partners, EU-US

close foreign policy cooperation has markedly increased; strategic dialogue with China has been

expanded as has political and security dialogue with India, and Brazil, and the EU also actively

contributed to facilitating Russia’s WTO accession.

In the Western Balkans, the EU took a strong lead in fostering dialogue between Belgrade and

Pristina and in breaking political deadlock in Bosnia and Herzegovina. East of its borders, the EU

has continued to be engaged in ongoing efforts to solve protracted conflicts, successfully pushing

for re- launch of formal “5+2” negotiations on Transnistria and continuing its efforts to find a

peaceful solution to the crisis in Georgia. The Eastern Partnership Summit in Warsaw in September

2011 served to prepare the ground for further deepening relations, including as regards CSDP

issues. Foreign policy dialogue with Turkey has also been stepped up, especially on the issue of

Syria.


Farther afield, the EU has remained committed to strengthening its partnership with Africa, and

launched several initiatives to enhance the coherence and effectiveness of its multi- faceted

engagement with the Sahel region, Sudan and South Sudan and, especially, the Horn of Africa.

In Afghanistan, the EU renewed its commitment to act as both security and development partner

and launched negotiations towards a cooperation agreement. With Pakistan, it negotiated and agreed

a 5-year Engagement Plan. EU engagement with Burma/Myanmar also picked up markedly during

the year, with a first loosening of a limited set of restrictive measures in response to the changes

towards more democracy in the country, however, many challenges remain.

Last but not least, the EU reaffirmed its support for an effective multilateral system with the United

Nations at its centre; it enhanced its participation in the works of the UN; it intensified efforts aimed

at turning non-proliferation policy into a cross-cutting priority; it renewed its commitment to the

universal value of human rights, and presented a Joint Communication (‘Human rights and

democracy at the heart of EU external action – towards a more effective approach’) setting out fresh

ideas aimed at carrying forward EU activities in this field.

The activities of the EEAS go well beyond the boundaries of traditional diplomacy, drawing more

and more on policies that are managed at EU level or have important EU dimensions. These include

the fight against terrorism, the promotion of human rights and democracy, non proliferation and

disarmament, as well as CFSP aspects of migration and poverty reduction, climate change and

energy security and also global financial regulation.


Turning a comprehensive approach - that increasingly mobilises the different tools at the EU's

disposal as part of a coherent and effective strategy - into comprehensive action remains a key

priority for the EU. CSDP instruments are part of the EU's toolbox, in support of overall EU

political objectives, which also include the need to address the root causes of a conflict.

This report consists of two parts: an overview of what happened in 2011 and a short preview of the

main developments and challenges for 2012 in the area of CFSP.

PART I: LOOKING BACK AT 2011

A. OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES BY REGIONS

1. MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTHERN NEIGHBOURHOOD

INTRODUCTION

The Arab Spring radically changed the political landscape of the EU’s southern neighbourhood 1 as

demonstrations spread across the region echoing the people’s call for dignity, democracy, and social

justice. In light of these pivotal events, the EU enhanced its bilateral relations as well as its policy

approach vis-à-vis the region. The EU engaged politically and financially with a wide range of

government, opposition, parliamentary and civil society interlocutors.

The High Representative, supported by the EEAS and in close cooperation with the Commission,

developed a comprehensive EU strategy for the Arab Spring in the March 2011 joint

communication "A partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the Southern

Mediterranean". This communication stressed the need for the EU to support wholeheartedly the

demand for political participation, dignity, freedom and employment opportunities, and set out an

approach based on the respect of universal values and shared interests.

1 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 7 April 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy - Southern

Dimension (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0154)

http://eeas.europa.eu/euromed/docs/com2011_200_en.pdf

http://eeas.europa.eu/euromed/docs/com2011_200_en.pdf


The Arab Spring was a major foreign policy challenge for the EU. For the EU institutions, it meant

bringing together the different tools at their disposal – which is precisely what the post of High

Representative and the EEAS were created for. Joint crisis platforms have united the EEAS and

Commission in coordinating the immediate response to the crises in Libya, Tunisia and also Syria.

The appointment of an EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Southern Mediterranean,

Bernardino Leon2, was a further step towards enhancing the European Union’s coordinated

response to the Arab Spring.

The EU’s policy aims at helping its partners in their transition processes to address in particular two main challenges: - First, to build “deep democracy”, i.e. not only adopting democratic constitutions and conducting free and fair elections, but creating and sustaining an independent judiciary, a thriving free press, a dynamic civil society and all other characteristics of a mature, functioning democracy. Support to civil society was stepped up in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. 3 - Second, to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development, without which democracy will not take root. A particular challenge is to ensure strong job creation. In this respect, the Council welcomed the Commission’s proposals for negotiating directives for Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia which will improve market access as soon as the necessary conditions are met. Furthermore, well-managed mobility of people is being promoted through the launch of Dialogues on Migration4, Mobility and Security with Tunisia and Morocco. These should lead to the conclusion of mobility partnerships.

2 Since his appointment in July 2011, EUSR Bernardino Leon has set out to fulfil three policy objectives: enhancing the Union’s

political dialogue with the Southern Mediterranean; contributing to the response of the Union to the developments in the region; enhancing the Union’s effectiveness, presence and visibility in the region and in relevant international forums.

3 The Neighbourhood Civil Society Facility, to start operation in 2012, will intensify such support further. 4 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 5 April 2011 on migration flows arising from instability: scope and role of EU

foreign policy (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0121)


The EU is determined to match support to the level of democratic reform, offering more support to those partners that make progress towards inclusive democratic systems. The High Representative, assisted by the EEAS, has taken a pro-active role in international coordination efforts, together with the UN, the League of Arab States (LAS) and other international actors such as Turkey. The High Representative has notably, together with the EUSR for the Southern Mediterranean, created a unique instrument – Task Forces – bringing together EU institutions, Member States, international financial institutions and the private sector in assisting partner countries to carry forward their reform programmes. By the end of 2011 the Task Forces have managed to mobilise up to € 7 billion in support for Tunisia and Jordan for three years. Further Task Forces are planned, i.a. for Egypt. The transitions towards democracy will take time and continue to pose great challenges. In this context, the EU remains committed to working with countries in the region, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society organisations to ensure that a coordinated and effective response can be made swiftly and efficiently. The EU also stands ready to support reform of the security sector in the countries of the region.


BILATERAL RELATIONS

1.1. NORTH AFRICA

1.1.1. LIBYA During the Libyan crisis the High Representative joined the UN and regional

organisations (EU, LAS, African Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the

Cairo Group and she actively participated in the Libya Contact Group. These efforts contributed to

a convergence of views within the international community on how to respond to the Libyan crisis.

The EU established a common position on Libya 5 at an extraordinary European Council held on 11

March, where the EU called for Gaddafi to step down. As the conflict developed, the EU adopted a

range of autonomous additional restrictive measures. These included those provided for in UN

Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 (arms embargo, visa ban, asset freeze on Gaddafi and

his inner circle) together with the autonomous additional restrictive measures such as an embargo

on equipment which might be used for internal repression and autonomous designations of persons

and entities targeted by travel restrictions and assets freeze. At the same time the EU provided

substantial humanitarian assistance (€155 million from the EU as a whole).

The EU also completed planning for a CSDP operation designed to provide support for

humanitarian efforts in Libya (EUFOR Libya) including by establishing an Operational

Headquarters in Rome. In the absence of a request for support for such humanitarian efforts, the

operation did not deploy.

5 The European Parliament adopted on 15 September 2011 a resolution on the situation in Libya (P7_TA(2011)0386). The European

Parliament adopted on 8 March 2011 a resolution on the Southern Neighbourhood, and Libya in particular (P7_TA(2011)0095). The European Parliament adopted a recommendation on 20 January 2011 to the Council on the negotiations on the EU-Libya Framework Agreement (P7_TA(2011)0020).

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P7-TA-2011-0386&language=EN&ring=P7-RC-2011-0513



As opposition forces gradually established control over the country, the EU opened offices in

Benghazi and Tripoli (the latter developing into a Delegation on 12 November). The High

Representative travelled twice to Libya. The EU continued to support the transition in Libya

throughout the year, notably by lifting the restrictive measures quickly in response to changes on

the ground, while at the same time highlighting concerns regarding the challenges the new

authorities face notably in the area of protection and respect for human rights (both through

Conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council and Statements by the High Representative).

1.1.2. ALGERIA The events in Libya are having a significant impact on security across the region.

Algeria in particular is vulnerable given the length of its border with Libya. In the course of the

year, the EU supported Algeria’s engagement in regional security particularly in the framework of

the EU Strategy for the Sahel region. The EU has participated actively in the diplomatic

coordination initiatives undertaken by Algeria. Algeria also gave indications of a renewed interest

in the European Neighbourhood Policy.

1.1.3. TUNISIA As the uprising in Tunisia 6 rapidly turned to revolution, the EU imposed sanctions

against 48 individuals closely associated with the regime of former President Ben Ali. In the months

following the ousting of Ben Ali, the EU repeatedly expressed its support for the process of

democratic transition, providing extensive support including through the deployment of an EU

election observation mission for the October 2011 Constituent Assembly elections.

6 The European Parliament adopted on 15 December 2011 a resolution on the case of Zacharia Bouguira (P7_TA(2011)0592) and

on 3 February 2011 a resolution on the situation in Tunisia (P7_TA(2011)0038)




These elections formed a turning point for Tunisia, and moreover, the whole region. As part of this

European support, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to work with the new Tunisian Government

resulting from the elections, in which the Ennadha party gained the most votes. The September

2011 meeting of the international Task Force in Tunis, co-chaired by the High Representative and

Tunisian Prime Minister Essebsi, aimed at enhancing the coherence of international support. It

resulted in a pledge of an overall financial support to Tunisia of about €4 billion over 2011-2013.

The High Representative was subsequently awarded the EuroMed Business award for this initiative.

1.1.4. MOROCCO After Morocco amended its Constitution Parliamentary elections took place in

November 2011 in a calm atmosphere and based on an improved electoral framework. There was

general satisfaction over the conduct of the polls. The moderate Islamic Party of Justice and

Development won a plurality of the seats (27%).


1.2. MIDDLE EAST

1.2.1. EGYPT The transition to democracy in Egypt 7 after the ousting of President Mubarak faced

many challenges: protests were met with violent repression by the security forces and the state of

emergency remained in place until 31 May, despite promises of the Supreme Military Council to lift

it ahead of parliamentary elections. Civilians continued to be tried in military courts and Egyptian

authorities cracked down on civil society organisations receiving foreign funding. Although Egypt

has suspended all formal dialogue with the EU since the beginning of the uprising (while informal

structural dialogue continued), the High Representative visited Egypt eight times in 2011 to extend

the EU’s support to Egypt’s democratic process and to urge the interim authorities to ensure a swift

move to civilian rule, uphold the rule of law, respect fundamental freedoms and protect the

democratic aspirations of the people. The EU imposed restrictive measures against 19 individuals

closely associated with the regime of former President Mubarak. Egypt’s first transparent elections,

starting at the end of 2011 were considered as a concrete step in the right direction. Under those

circumstances, the EU proposed to deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to monitor the

Presidential elections.

7 The European Parliament adopted on 17 February 2011 a resolution on the situation in Egypt (P7_TA(2011)0064) and on 27

October 2011 a resolution on the situation in Egypt and Syria, in particular of Christian communities (P7_TA(2011)0471) as well as a resolution on Egypt, in particular the case of blogger Alaa Abd El-Fattah on 17 November 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0518).


http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-%2f%2fEP%2f%2fTEXT%2bMOTION%2bP7-RC-2011-0542%2b0%2bDOC%2bXML%2bV0%2f%2fEN&language=EN





1.2.2. SYRIA Following the uprising in Syria 8, which began in March 2011, and the use

of violence by the Syrian Government against its citizens, the Foreign Affairs Council of May 2011

took the decision to suspend bilateral cooperation programmes between the EU and the Syrian

government and not to take any further steps with regard to the pending Association Agreement.

The EU also partially suspended the application of the Co-operation Agreement with Syria. In the

face of the escalating violence, the EU, jointly with the United States, called for President Assad to

step aside. It worked closely with partners in the international community to put pressure on the

Syrian Government to stop all violence. On 16 October, the League of Arab States (LAS) decided

on a plan for Syria focused on stopping violence, releasing political prisoners, pulling the military

out of cities, allowing access to media and conducting a national dialogue, which the EU supported

in an effort to resolve the Syrian crisis. It urged the UN Security Council Members to agree on

strong UN action towards Syria and promoted strong resolutions on Syria by the UN Human Rights

Council.

The EU's restrictive measures against Syria were expanded regularly to target persons and entities

responsible for and/or associated with repression or supporting the regime and by targeting

revenues the regime might use to finance the repression, including by imposing a ban on the import

of Syrian oil. The EU engaged with representatives of the Syrian opposition and consistently called

for inclusivity of all opposition groups in shaping a vision for the transition in Syria. The EU has

also increased its financial support to humanitarian organisations to deal with the dramatic

consequences of the crisis. The EU has repeatedly commended Syria’s neighbour states for their

active burden-sharing in the crisis.

8 The European Parliament adopted on 15 December 2011 a resolution on the situation in Syria (P7_TA(2011)0582). On 27 October

2011, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the case of Rafah Nashed in Syria (P7_TA(2011)0476) and a resolution on the situation in Egypt and Syria, in particular of Christian communities on 27 October 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0471. The European Parliament adopted two resolutions (7 July 2011 and 7 April 2011) on the situation in Syria, Yemen and Bahrain (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0333 and P7_TA-PROV(2011)0148).








1.2.3. LEBANON In Lebanon, the new government that was formed in July 2011 after the fall of

the Government of National Unity earlier in the year, stated its attachment to relations with the EU

which led to an intensifying of bilateral contacts. With Lebanon's payment of its dues to the Special

Tribunal in November a significant obstacle was cleared towards further development of Lebanon's

relations with the EU, as confirmed by the Association Committee in December 2011.

1.2.4. JORDAN In 2011, Jordan embarked on a series of political reforms in response to the

evolving domestic political context and the legitimate expectations of the population. King

Abdullah set up in March the National Dialogue Committee (tasked to draft a new electoral law)

and in April the Royal Committee on Constitutional Review.

In September, the Parliament eventually adopted 41 constitutional amendments, some of which with

far-reaching impact, including inter alia the establishment of an independent electoral commission,

the empowerment of political parties through the revision of legislation, the establishment of the

Constitutional Court, the prohibition of torture, more restrictive rules on the dissolution of the

Parliament9.

On a bilateral level, the “advanced status” partnership, agreed in October 2010, gave a further

impetus to the development of EU-Jordan relations. It unlocked a larger spectrum of areas of

cooperation, thus opening-up new opportunities. The EU financial assistance encompassing a few

key priorities focused in particular on supporting good governance, independence of the judiciary,

education and development of renewable energy sources.10

9 The second Task force was organised with Jordan in February 2012 and followed the successful path established by the first Task

Force with Tunisia. 10The first meeting of the EU-Jordan Task Force took place in February 2012 and followed the path established by the first Task

Force with Tunisia.


1.2.5. MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS (MEPP) The European Union repeatedly called for the urgent resumption of negotiations on the MEPP. Within an agreed time frame, the objective would be to lead to a two-state solution with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine11 living side by side in peace and security. The Arab Spring has brought even more urgency to the Middle East Peace Process. The EU stepped up its efforts to move forward this process by pushing for a more active role for the Quartet: three Principals’ meetings took place in 2011 (Munich, Washington, New York), around a dozen Envoys’ meetings, four of them with the parties (separately).

The EU set out clear parameters for negotiations, expressed by the EU in the UN Security Council

on 21 April 2011, and lent its full support to the High Representative’s efforts to create a credible

perspective for re- launching the Peace Process. To this end, the High Representative visited the

region numerous times throughout the year and stayed in close contact with many stakeholders.

The EU continued to extend direct financial support to the Palestinian Authority and further

contributed to its successful state-building efforts including in the framework of the EU-PA ENP

Action Plan. Progress in state building risks being jeopardised by a stalled peace process and

continuing internal Palestinian division. The EU called on the future Palestinian government to

continue the institution-building efforts and to uphold current standards in terms of transparent and

efficient public finance management, as underlined at the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting

hosted by the High Representative on 13 April in Brussels.

11 The European Parliament adopted on 29 September 2011 a resolution on the situation in Palestine (P7_TA(2011)0429)



Israel’s settlement expansion, in particular in East Jerusalem, was deplored by the EU. The EU welcomed the Palestinian reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo on 4 May, reiterated that it supported reconciliation behind President Abbas in line with the principles set out in his speech of 4 May 2011 and encouraged further efforts in support of the full implementation of the agreement. Against the background of the UN membership application, launched by President Abbas in September, the High Representative was actively involved in bringing forward a statement of the Quartet setting timelines and calling on the parties to reach an agreement before the end of 2012. A subsequent Quartet Envoys’ meeting in Brussels was personally chaired by the High Representative. The High Representative received President Abbas and his delegation in Brussels in December 2011, reiterating their mutual and determined diplomatic effort throughout the past months concerning the Middle East Peace Process. 12

Since 2005, as part of a wider EU engagement to contribute to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, two civilian CSDP missions have been deployed.

EUPOL COPPS has become the key partner for the Palestinian Authority in terms of capacity building of the civilian police and related rule-of-law activities. In 2011 the Mission's mandate was extended until 30 June 2012.

EUBAM Rafah maintained its capacity to redeploy and fulfil its role as requested by the two parties as a third party at the Rafah Crossing Point in accordance with the Agreement on Movement and Access of 2005. Due to the situation in Gaza, EUBAM Rafah has not been in a position to redeploy since 2007. To maintain its capacity to redeploy, the mission was extended until 30 June 2012.

The EU will continue to make every effort to shape an effective and efficient CSDP engagement. This will include deeper integration of the EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS in order to realise synergies and cost reductions.

12 Mr. Andreas Reinicke was appointed EU Special Representative for the Middle East peace process on 1 February 2012.


The EU and Israel maintained strong bilateral relations and an open political dialogue in the framework of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the current EU-Israel ENP Action Plan. All formats of dialogue resumed their work in 2011 – both at political level (Association Council meeting on 24 February) and between the diplomatic services.

1.3. ARABIAN PENINSULA, IRAN & IRAQ 1.3.1. GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL AND ITS MEMBER STATES The 21st EU-Gulf Cooperation Council 13 (GCC) Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting took place in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in April 2011. The meeting was co-chaired by the High Representative and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Al Nahyan. The High Representative also travelled to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where she held bilateral talks with several high- level interlocutors. Dialogue with the member states of the GCC and with the GCC Secretariat General intensified, not least on the key regional issues which dominated the political agenda in the course of 2011. The situation in Bahrain14 was followed closely in 2011. Since the outset of demonstrations in Manama in February, the EU called on all parties to refrain from violence and engage in meaningful dialogue in several sets of Council Conclusions. A steady stream of public statements issued by the High Representative and diplomatic contacts with the Bahraini authorities further reflected the EU’s concern. The High Representative also addressed the situation in Bahrain in several meetings with EU Foreign Ministers, Heads of State and Government. This pressure, applied by the EU and by many civil society organisations, yielded concrete results, including the annulment of trials by the ‘special court’, and the establishment of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry in June 2011, which issued its final report on 23 November.

13 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 24 March 2011 on the European Union relations with the Gulf Cooperation

Council (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0109) 14 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 27 October 2011 on Bahrain (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0475). The European

Parliament adopted two resolutions (7 July 2011 and 7 April 2011) on the situation in Syria, Yemen and Bahrain (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0333 and P7_TA-PROV(2011)0148).


1.3.2. YEMEN Since the protest movement in Yemen15 began in February 2011, the EU exerted

constant pressure on all parties to cease violence and allow for a peaceful transfer of power, i.a.

through several sets of Council Conclusions. The High Representative issued a number of

statements condemning the violence, and was in regular contact with key members of the regime.

The EU, notably through its Head of Delegation and in cooperation with Heads of Mission in

Sana’a, was closely involved in facilitating contacts between government, opposition and key

regional actors to encourage the most orderly and peaceful political transition possible. On 23

November, after months of political stalemate, the High Representative welcomed the signature of

an agreement for political transition by President Saleh and key representatives of Yemen’s ruling

and opposition parties, under the auspices of the GCC initiative. The EU worked in conjunction

with regional and other international partners to achieve these goals.

1.3.3. IRAN In the context of finding a lasting and comprehensive diplomatic solution to the

Iranian nuclear issue, the High Representative continued to lead international efforts on behalf of

the EU, based on her mandate from the UNSC and the E3 + 3 group (France, Germany, United

Kingdom and the US, Russia and China). The aim is to urge Iran to engage seriously in a

confidence-building process to address international concerns regarding its nuclear programme.

Iran’s continued refusal to comply with its international obligations and increasing concerns over

unresolved issues regarding the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme, resulted in

the adoption in November 2011 of a Resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors expressing deep

and increasing concerns. In accordance with the dual track approach, the EU subsequently decided

to designate additional persons and entities to be subject to restrictive measures and to further

expand existing sanctions 16.

15 The European Parliament adopted two resolutions (7 July 2011 and 7 April 2011) on the situation in Syria, Yemen and Bahrain

(P7_TA-PROV(2011)0333 and P7_TA-PROV(2011)0148). The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 17 February 2011 on Yemen: persecution of juvenile offenders, in particular the case of Muhammed Taher Thabet Samoum (P7_TA(2011)0073).

16 mandated by the Council and the European Council in December 2011, adopted on 23 January 2012


At the same time, the EU remained extremely concerned by the deterioration of Iran’s human rights

situation. The High Representative issued numerous statements condemning the high number of

executions in 2011 and the widespread repression of Iranian citizens, including human rights

defenders, lawyers and journalists who faced harassment and arrests for exercising their legitimate

rights and political freedoms. In 2011 the EU adopted restrictive measures on 61 Iranian individuals

responsible for directing or implementing grave human rights violations. The EU will also continue

to support the mandate and work of the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Iran, a

mandate created by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2011.

1.3.4. IRAQ EU-Iraq relations were further strengthened by three significant developments in

2011: firstly, the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership in

Energy, secondly, the Council's decision to authorise the signature of the Partnership and

Cooperation Agreement and thirdly, the implementation of the first ever multiannual Country

Strategy Paper for assistance to Iraq. The EU re-orientated its support from emergency

reconstruction towards regular development cooperation and long-term capacity building.

The EU continued to follow closely the human rights situation including by sustained and repeated

expressions of concern at the use of the death penalty and the situation of persons belonging to

minorities. The High Representative also expressed her concern at the significant fractures within

the government and rising tensions between the principal parties which arose at the end of the year.

She actively pursued the issue of the Camp Ashraf residents, in full support of the efforts made by

the United Nations to find a peaceful solution, including by appointing a Personal Representative.


EUJUST LEX Iraq deployed fully to Iraq in 2011 and implemented most of its activities in the

fields of Penitentiary, Police and the Judiciary in country, while also providing training and other

work experience opportunities for local officials mostly in EU Member States. Permanent offices

were opened in Baghdad, including an antenna in Basra, and in Erbil, thus allowing closer

interaction with local authorities and other international actors as well as better visibility.

REGIONAL COOPERATION

The political changes in the region called for increased regional cooperation, as many challenges,

whether political, economic or social, could only be tackled effectively at regional level. Regional

organisations such as the League of Arab States (LAS) and the Organisation of the Islamic Co-

operation were adapting to the new political context and the EU stepped up its engagement with

them. The EU intensified in particular its relations with the LAS through regular contacts at senior

officials’ and Ministerial levels, including an informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council with

Secretary General Nabil el – Araby of the LAS, and through the support to the setting up of a crisis

room for the LAS.

The new political context offers an opportunity to give a new impetus to the Union for the

Mediterranean (UfM) to develop a wide range of sectoral cooperation between Europe and

Southern partners in complementarity with the EU ENP policies.


2. RUSSIA, EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD AND CENTRAL ASIA

2.1. RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Despite some instability on Russia’s domestic scene at the end of the year, 2011 saw further

achievements. These included Russia’s WTO accession, the adoption and launch of the

implementation of the “Common Steps towards visa free short-term travel of Russian and EU

citizens”, progress made in the implementation of the Partnership for Modernisation and

establishment of the Civil Society Forum, and the agreement to modernise the system of Siberian

overflight royalties as of January 2012 (though unfortunately, Russia has not yet implemented this

agreement). The Brussels-Moscow relationship remained close, also through regular contacts

between the High Representative and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.

Two EU-Russia Summits17 took place in a constructive atmosphere, though there were limited

concrete deliverables. The EU will redouble its efforts to make these meetings more outcome

focussed in future. Formal political dialogue meetings were held at different levels in 2011, many

of which convened twice. The EU continued to pursue the integration of Russia into the rules-

based international system, which the WTO membership underpins.

The EU continued to engage with Russia on many of the international issues at the top of the EU's

CFSP agenda, such as Iran, Syria, the broader Middle East, Afghanistan, and the protracted

conflicts in the common neighbourhood, recognising the shared interest in achieving progress on

these. The EU also continued cooperation with Russia on global issues such as climate change,

terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, organised crime, illegal trafficking, cyber

security and energy security.

17 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the 9-10 June EU-Russia Summit (P7_TA(2011)0268 ) and a resolution on the

Summit of 15 December 2011 and the outcome of the Duma elections on 4 December 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0575 )


The EU-Russia Partnership for Modernisation (PfM), launched in 2010, progressed in 2011,

bearing witness to the EU’s and Russia’s strong interdependence and mutual interest in closer

cooperation: two joint progress reports on the PfM were issued and implementation of the joint

rolling work plan continued. The EU-Russia PfM was complemented by bilateral modernisation

partnerships concluded by twenty-three EU Member States with Russia.

Negotiations on a new EU-Russia Agreement continued in 2011, focussing exclusively on Trade

and Investment-related provisions. The agreed aim is to conclude a strategic agreement that will

provide a comprehensive framework for EU-Russia relations for the foreseeable future and help to

develop the potential of our relationship.

In external security, building on the positive experience of Russia's contribution to EUFOR

TCHAD/Central African Republic, and the ongoing coordination with EUNAVFOR ATALANTA,

informal exploratory talks on a Framework Agreement for Russian participation in EU crisis

management operations continued in 2011.

Human rights, democracy, the rule of law and domestic developments in Russia continued to

give rise to concerns in 2011 18. Procedural violations in the run-up to and during Duma elections of

4 December, the situation in the Northern Caucasus and the treatment of human rights defenders

were of particular concern. The EU continued to raise these issues in its political dialogue meetings

with Russia, including at Summits. Two rounds of EU-Russia human rights consultations were held

in 2011. These allowed the EU to raise its concerns in greater detail, including individual cases and

the murders of journalists and human rights defenders. In line with its new Human Rights Strategy,

the EU will step up pressure on Russia to adhere to international standards on human rights

including at the twice yearly EU-Russia summits.

18 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the rule of law in Russia on 17 February 2011 P7_TA(2011)0066.


2.2. EASTERN PARTNERSHIP – BILATERAL

The Eastern Partnership was launched in May 2009 as the Eastern dimension of the European

Neighbourhood Policy19. It is composed of both bilateral relations with the partner countries and a

multilateral track aimed at promoting greater regional co-operation.

In 2011, political association and economic integration between the EU and the partner countries

was accelerated though negotiations on i.a. Association Agreements, DCFTAs and visa facilitation

in the framework of the Partnership, and programmes on the bilateral track of the Partnership

continued to support essential reforms and confidence-building measures to promote steps towards

conflict resolution.

2.2.1. UKRAINE The deteriorating situation in the area of democracy and human rights in

Ukraine20 was a particular concern, and reduced the EU’s possibilities to engage. Several leading

opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Tymoshenko 21 were victims of selective justice

and the subject of flawed and un-transparent judicial processes. This issue figured prominently on

the agenda of EU-Ukraine political dialogue. The level of compliance by Ukraine with its

commitments towards universal values and specifically how the cases of selective justice would be

handled, are expected to have significant impact on the future of EU-Ukraine relations.

Negotiations on an Association Agreement22, including as an integral part of a Deep and

Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), were finalised at negotiators level, paving the way

towards the initialling of the Agreement. The Commission issued the first progress report on the

implementation of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan in September 2011. The annual EU –

Ukraine Summit took place on 19 December 2011 in Kiev.

19 The European Parliament adopted on 7 April 2011 a resolution on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy - Eastern

Dimension (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0153). 20 The European Parliament adopted on 25 October 2011 a resolution on the developments in Ukraine (P7_TA(2011)0472). 21 The European Parliament adopted on 8 June 2011 a a resolution on Ukraine: the cases of Yulia Tymoshenko and other members of

the former government (P7_TA(2011)0272). 22 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 1 December 2011 containing the European Parliament's recommendations to the

Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the negotiations of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0545).






2.2.2. REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA Negotiations with the Republic of Moldova on a new Association Agreement23 continued to progress at a very good pace throughout the year. In December 2011, the EU announced that the country was sufficiently prepared to launch negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. The Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation was presented to Moldova in January 2011 and the First Progress Report on its implementation was presented by Commission in September 2011. The European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) continued to make a sustainable contribution to the development of border-management procedures that meet European Union standards and serve the legitimate needs of Moldovan and Ukrainian citizens, travellers, and trade, which in turn enhances regional security and supports economic development. The EU continued its efforts to contribute to a settlement of the conflict over Transnistria. Formal negotiations in the “5+2” format, in which the EU participates, were re-launched in November 2011. The Foreign Affairs Council of September 2011 adopted a decision providing for the extension of restrictive measures against the Transnistrian leadership until 30 September 2012, while at the same time extending the suspension of the measures for a further period of six months until 31 March 2012 in order to encourage a positive development. A number of high level bilateral visits reflected the evolving nature of the EU-Moldova relationship, including a visit of the High Representative to Chisinau in March 2011 and the visit of the PSC in December 2011.

23 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 15 September 2011 containing the European Parliament 's recommendations to the

Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the negotiations between the EU and the Republic of Moldova on the Association Agreement (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0385).


2.2.3. BELARUS The EU reacted strongly to the crackdown on civil society, the political opposition and independent media that followed the violations of electoral standards in the 19 December 2010 Presidential elections in Belarus24. While remaining committed to its policy of critical engagement, including through dialogue and the Eastern Partnership, the Foreign Affairs Council of January 2011 decided to expand and fully reinstate the restrictive measures against Belarus. These measures were strengthened repeatedly during the year, as the situation in Belarus continued to deteriorate. The Foreign Affairs Council of June 2011 decided to impose an embargo on Belarus on arms and on materials that might be used for internal repression and to freeze the assets of a leading businessman associated with the regime and three companies owned or controlled by him. In parallel, the EU has strengthened its engagement with the Belarusian people and civil society through increased support to civil society and victims of repression25, the offer to start negotiations on visa facilitation and on readmission agreements as well as by an intensified dialogue with Belarusian society26.

2.2.4. SOUTH CAUCASUS

The already strong EU engagement in the South Caucasus further increased throughout 2011, with the High Representative visiting all three countries in November. Additionally, she met with their leaders bilaterally on a number of occasions.

24 The European Parliament adopted on 18 January and 11 May 2011 two resolutions on the situation in Belarus (P7_TA(2011)0022 &

P7_TA(2011)0244). 25 The European Parliament adopted on 14 September 2011 a resolution on Belarus: the arrest of human rights defender Ales Bialatski

(P7_TA(2011)0392). On 9 March 2011, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Belarus in particular the cases of Ales Mikhalevic and Natalia Radina (P7_TA(2011)0099).

26 In response to worrisome human rights developments in Belarus in the aftermath of the December 2010 presidential elections, the EU mobilised the international community to respond resolutely to human rights violations. In June 2011, under the leadership of the European Union, the Human Rights Council adopted a resolution which tasked the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report on human rights developments in Belarus and to formulate recommendations for further action.









The EU maintained a strong engagement with Georgia, in order to promote reforms and closer relations and as a result of its commitments related to the conflict in 2008. The High Representative was personally engaged in supporting the successful Swiss mediation between Georgia and Russia which opened the way for Russia’s accession to the WTO. The Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements with Georgia entered into force on 1 March 2011. In December 2011, the EU announced that the country was sufficiently prepared to launch negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, as an integral part of the Association Agreement.

In 2011, the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) Georgia continued to contribute successfully to stabilisation, normalisation and confidence-building efforts on the ground. EUMM Georgia was extended until 14 September 2012. The Mission is implementing its current mandate with at least 200 monitors, working on all four tasks with a focus on the stabilisation and confidence-building tasks 27.

The EU continued to play a leading role in the Geneva International Discussions, the only forum for dialogue between the parties after the conflict in August 2008. This was achieved i.a.through the Instrument for Stability; the EU financed confidence-building and early response activities, as well as people to people-contacts. In September a new EUSR for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Mr. Philippe Lefort, was appointed with a mandate focussed on conflict resolution and regional aspects in the South Caucasus.

The EU maintained a strong engagement with Armenia in order to support the reform effort.

Negotiations of the association agreement progressed well and Armenia made progress in meeting

the conditions for opening negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement

(negotiations started in June 2012). A mobility partnership was signed with Armenia in October.

The mandate for the negotiation of a Visa facilitation and Readmission Agreement was adopted by

the Council on 19 December (negotiations started in February 2012).

27 The European Parliament adopted on 17 November 2011 a resolution on the negotiations of the EU-Georgia Association

Agreement (2011/2133(INI)) which called for the recognition of Georgia as a European State and to base negotiations on the European perspective including art.49


Negotiations with Azerbaijan on energy issues, including on the Trans-Caspian Pipeline

progressed well, as did those on visa facilitation and readmission agreements. However, the

Association Agreement talks have had some delays because of differing expectations and concerns

on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In addition to the Geneva International Discussions, the EUSR was active in increasing the EU's

support to the conflict settlement process regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. The EU continued to lend

its full political support to the OSCE Minsk Group to help the parties finding a solution over

Nagorno-Karabakh. The EU also financed a number of confidence-building measures to facilitate

progress towards a solution.

2.3. EASTERN PARTNERSHIP – MULTILATERAL

The highlight was the Eastern Partnership Summit in Warsaw in September 2011. The Warsaw

Summit consolidated the Eastern Partnership and gave guidance for its further development. The EU

made clear its determination to accelerate political association and economic integration. At the same

time, the Summit sent a clear message that economic reforms will not be sustainable without

political reforms - hence the emphasis on shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of

law.


In the area of CFSP/CSDP the Eastern Partnership Summit called for stronger dialogue and

cooperation on international security issues, including with a view to partners’ possible

participation in civilian and military EU-led operations. At the same time the cooperation between

the EU and partner countries, as well as regional cooperation projects and EU assistance

programmes, will place greater emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution and confidence building

measures.

The multilateral Eastern Partnership Platform on Democracy, Good Governance and Stability

adopted its new Work Programme 2011-13 under which new expert Panels on Public

Administration Reform as well as on Migration and Asylum were launched 28.

In the field of integrated border management (IBM) the implementation of projects related to the

Flagship Initiative started in the area of green border surveillance on the border between Ukraine

and Belarus and infrastructure reinforcement on the border between Georgia and Armenia. Expert

training continued on the development of IBM strategies of the Eastern Partnership partner

countries.

2.4. CENTRAL ASIA29

During the course of 2011, implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia 30 intensified further,

including through political dialogue and technical cooperation.

28 The Platform started to develop ideas on how to improve common approaches among law enforcement agencies to curb cross-

border crime as well as launch cooperation in the field of Common Security & Defence Policy (CSDP). 29 Ms Patricia Flor was appointed EU Special Representative for Central Asia on 2 July. 30 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 15 December 2011 on the state of implementation of the EU Strategy for Central

Asia (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0588)


An EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in April 2011 and

focused on common threats and challenges, such as terrorism, human and drug trafficking, non-

proliferation and energy security.

The EU also worked actively on a Joint Action Plan for the Implementation of the UN Global

Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia. This document was adopted together with the

Ashgabat Declaration in November 2011.

In the framework of the EU- Central Asia Action Plan on Drugs, the annual Dialogue on Drugs with

Central Asian countries took place in April 2011. Central Asian countries informed about progress

achieved in their efforts to deal with drug demand reduction and fighting drug trafficking.

Regional security issues and implementation of the principles of Integrated Border Management

were discussed during the 9th meeting of Central Asia Border Security Initiative in March 2011 in

Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Human rights remain an issue of concern in all five countries, and were

addressed during annual human rights dialogues.

Regular political contacts also took place between the EUSR for Central Asia and the Central Asian

states.

The EUSR for Central Asia devoted specific attention to reconciliation and finalising the legitimisation of state authorities in post-crisis Kyrgyzstan. He contributed to the political action of the EU in response to Zhanaozen events in December 2011. He facilitated the communication between the EU and the President of Turkmenistan in key energy talks (TCP). On regional security, he promoted at high level in the Central Asian countries a new EU-UN regional endeavour on counter terrorism and he represented the EU in political co-operation with international stakeholders on border management in Central Asia


3. WESTERN BALKANS The Western Balkans remained a top priority for the EU throughout 2011 and it maintained a decisive engagement in resolving the complex political tensions in the region, in particular by taking a strong lead in fostering dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and avoiding a serious institutional crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EEAS is also working closely with the Commission in the pre-accession process for the countries with an EU membership perspective. The Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) continued to provide the overarching policy framework for relations and negotiations with the countries of the Western Balkans. 31 The EU reiterated the importance of regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in the process of moving towards the EU as essential elements of this Process. While significant progress was achieved in 2011, important challenges remained. These included constructive political dialogue, consolidation of the rule of law including ensuring freedom of expression, the fight against corruption and organised crime, effectiveness and independence of the judiciary and improving administrative capacity, as well as addressing and solving open bilateral issues. 32 Croatia 33 and the EU Member States finalised accession negotiations on 30 June 2011 and signed the Accession Treaty on 9 December 2011 in Brussels. Pending the successful conclusion of ratification procedures, Croatia will become an EU member on 1 July 2013. Since the signature of the Accession Treaty, Croatia has participated as an active observer in the Council and its preparatory bodies.

31 In 2011 the Council reaffirmed its unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkans which remains

essential for the stability, reconciliation and future of the region, as was reconfirmed at the Western Balkans Forum in Luxembourg on 20 June 2011. The Council of December 2011 also reaffirmed the need for fair and rigorous conditionality, in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process and in accordance with the renewed consensus on enlargement approved by the European Council on 14 and 15 December 2006.

32 The South Eastern European Cooperation Process (SEECP) – under Montenegrin, and then Serbian chairmanship - played a positive role in this context, having, inter alia, adopted a regional strategy on Justice and Home affairs issues. The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) continued to strengthen cooperation in the region on a number of key issues.

33 The European Parliament adopted on 1 December 2011 a resolution on the application of Croatia to become a member of the European Union (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0539) and a legislative resolution on the accession to the European Union of the Republic of Croatia (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0538)


Following the adoption of UNGA Resolution A/RES/64/298, the EU facilitated a dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina. In 2011 there were eight meetings of the Dialogue; six

agreements were reached: on civil registry, cadastre, customs stamps, freedom of movement,

acceptance of university diplomas and IBM. The High Representative repeatedly called on the parties to engage constructively. Implementation of these agreements started, although with some

difficulties.

In May 2011 the High Representative visited Belgrade to review EU-Serbia relations and the

Stabilisation and Association Process34 with Serbian President Tadic. She welcomed the arrest of

Ratko Mladic the same day. On 8 June, the Head of the EU Delegation in Belgrade and Foreign Minister Jeremic signed a Framework Agreement on participation in CSDP missions. The President

of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy visited Serbia in September. The Interim

Agreement between the EU and Serbia continued to be implemented pending finalisation of all procedures for the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Following

Serbia’s application for EU membership in 2009, the Commission presented an opinion on 12

October 2011. In December, the Council noted that the opening of accession negotiations will be considered by the European Council, in line with established practice, once the Commission has

assessed that Serbia has achieved the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria,

in particular the key priority of taking steps towards a visible and sustainable improvements of relations with Kosovo, in line with the conditions of the Stabilisation and association process,

outlined in the Commission's Opinion.

34 The European Parliament adopted on 19 January 2011 a legislative resolution on the draft Council and Commission decision on the

conclusion of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Serbia, of the other part (P7_TA(2011)0015)


On 9 December the European Council postponed the decision on granting candidate status to Serbia. 35

The EU-Montenegro 36 Stabilisation and Association Council met on 21 June in Luxembourg. The December European Council recognised the good progress achieved on the reform agenda and, with

a view to opening accession negotiations in June 2012, it tasked the General Affairs Council to

examine the implementation of the reforms, notably as regards rule of law, on the basis of a Commission report.

The Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions in March which set out a comprehensive EU

approach: a reinforced strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and a single EU presence on

the ground (EUSR/EU Delegation), including a reinforced set of instruments ranging from regular

enlargement instruments and projects to CFSP measures such as potential restrictive measures. 37 In

May 2011, the High Representative visited BiH. As a result, the decision of the Republika Srpska

National Assembly to hold a referendum on independence of the judiciary was reversed. This visit

led to the opening of a structured dialogue with the EU on the judiciary.38 Mr Peter Sorensen was

appointed EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 July.

35 Serbia was granted candidate status by the European Council on 1 March 2012 36 The European Parliament adopted on 9 March 2011 a resolution on the European integration process of Montenegro

(P7_TA(2011)0091). 37 Based on the March 2011 Council Conclusions the new double hatted EUSR/Head of Delegation helped overcome the local

political stalemate after the 2010 parliamentary elections. The EUSR/HoD facilitated a more forward looking dynamic by bringing together the political leverage of the EUSR with the EU’s technical and financial instruments to facilitate progress on the EU integration track. The EUSR position was decoupled from the High Representative of the International community in BiH as of 1 September 2011.

38 The dialogue within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process, aims to consolidate the rule of law and o establish an independent, effective, impartial and accountable judicial system across the whole BiH.


During 2011, EU Member States decided to prolong the EU Police Mission in Bosnia and

Herzegovina (EUPM) until 30 June 2012 and to close down the mission at this point. Follow on

support to local authorities in BiH will be ensured by EUSR activities and Commission instruments.

On Operation Althea, the Council in October 2011 confirmed the EU’s readiness to continue at

this stage an executive military role to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to maintain the

safe and secure environment under a renewed UN mandate. The main effort of Operation Althea

will be on capacity building and training while maintaining situational awareness and a credible

reserve.

As in the case of Serbia, an Interim Agreement continued to be implemented pending finalisation of

all procedures for the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. On

December 28, more than a year after the October 2010 elections, the BiH main political leaders

agreed on the formation of the Council of Ministers, on adopting a state budget for 2011 and on

moving ahead with the census and state aid laws as well as with an effort to implement the

Sejdic/Finci ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights) ruling, all of which had been pointed

out in the March Council Conclusions as being essential requirement for progress towards the EU.

The European Commission adopted the National Programme for Bosnia and Herzegovina under the

IPA Transition Assistance and Institution Building Component for the year 2011. The programme

has a total amount of EUR 91 280 000. The programme aims at providing assistance primarily in

the following sectors: Public Administration Reform, Justice and Home Affairs, Private Sector

Development, Transport, Environment and Climate Change, and Social Development. In addition,

BiH receives funding from the IPA Multi-beneficiary programs.


In December 2011 the General Affairs Council reaffirmed that Kosovo39 would benefit from

possible visa liberalisation once all conditions were met. Without prejudice to Member States

positions on status, the Council also invited the Commission to assess Kosovo’s progress with

regard to trade related issues and to propose the way forward for an agreement as soon as sufficient

progress has been made. The Council recognised that Kosovo's socio-economic development would

also be enhanced through membership of the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and

Development) and expressed its commitment to find an agreement on Kosovo's participation in EU

programs, without prejudice to Member State’s positions on status. Finally the Council welcomed

the intention of the Commission to launch a structured dialogue on the rule of law and the intention

of the Commission to review its 2009 Communication.

The EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX, maintains an important role to assist and

support the Kosovo authorities in the rule of law area, specifically regarding police, judiciary and

customs. Its activities in 2011 were marked by the continuation of sensitive investigations into high-

profile cases. Efforts in the customs area have resulted in a decrease in smuggling. Several trials

related to international drug trafficking took place. In the area of missing persons, experts have

continued to conduct field operations.

EULEX Kosovo, though coping with force generation challenges (insufficient formed police units),

also acted as security provider, assisting the Kosovo Police when necessary and in cooperation with

KFOR. EULEX continued to strengthen the rule of law in northern Kosovo with an increased

presence until the violent events of July 2011.

39 Mr. Samuel Zbogar was appointed EU Special Representative for Kosovo on 1 February 2012.


The EU Special Investigative Task Force (SITF) started working in September 2011 to conduct a

fair and independent criminal investigation into the war crime and organised crime allegations

contained in the Council of Europe report of December 2010. The establishment of the SITF

demonstrates the EU's commitment to pursue an impartial and professional investigation into these

allegations and is a testimony to the importance the EU pays to the proper handling of this issue. It

is a complex and multi-national investigation which will take time to complete.

In September 2011, the EEAS started a review at strategic level of the EULEX Kosovo Mission in

the context of EU's overall engagement in Kosovo. The outcome of this strategic review will be

implemented in 2012.

Against the background of the continued crisis between Government and opposition in Albania, the

Foreign Affairs Council of June 2011 voiced its concerns, calling for the restoration of the political

dialogue. By the end of the year, the Council welcomed some positive steps, including the

establishment of a Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform and a working group on reform of

the Parliament's rules of procedure, as well as a calendar for adoption of laws requiring 3/5

majority. The municipal elections on 8 May, which became deeply disputed, were assessed in

general as competitive and transparent. Yet shortcomings remained. In December 2011 the Council

stated that Albania had made limited progress in meeting the political criteria for membership and

the twelve priorities for the opening of accession negotiations, thus following the recommendation

of the European Commission not to grant candidate status to the country. The EU remained

committed to the European perspective of Albania and will continue to support the country's efforts

in this process. During 2011, the High Representative, jointly with Commissioner Füle, stressed the

need for progress on political dialogue, electoral reform and other key issues on the EU agenda.


In the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia the beginning of 2011 was dominated by a

boycott in Parliament by the largest opposition party40. Yet the country conducted Parliamentary

elections in June which were assessed by the Council in its December Conclusions as competitive,

transparent and well-administered throughout the country. However, the Council also noted that

further efforts were needed to promote and safeguard fundamental rights in the country. No

progress was made in resolving the name issue.

The High Level Accession Dialogue, initiated by Commission President Barroso in 2011 and

launched by Commissioner Füle and Prime Minister Gruevki in March 2012, has injected a new

dynamism into the EU integration process. 41 In its Progress Report, the Commission reiterated the

recommendation that accession negotiations should be opened with the country and the Council

stated its readiness to return to the matter during the first semester of 2012,

Maintaining good neighbourly relations, including a negotiated and mutually accepted solution to

the name issue, under the auspices of the UN, is essential. The Council indicated it looked forward

to the on-going high- level dialogue on the name issue.

40 The European Parliament adopted on 7 April 2011 a resolution on the 2010 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0151) 41 The inaugural session was held on 15 March 2012.


4. TURKEY AND WESTERN EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURS

4.1. TURKEY

Turkey, both as a candidate country42 and as a key regional partner, continued to be an important

interlocutor for the EU, which commended Turkish burden-sharing in the Syria crisis. Turkey was

active in its wider neighbourhood and played an influential role in supporting reforms, including in

Northern Africa. Turkey also remained an important regional player in the Middle East, the Western

Balkans, Afghanistan/Pakistan, the Southern Caucasus, and the Horn of Africa. In this context, the

High Representative remained committed to reinforcing further the EU’s political dialogue with

Turkey on foreign policy issues of mutual interest and met several times with Turkish Foreign

Minister Davutoglu. He was also invited and readily agreed to participate in an informal Council

session. An informal strategic dialogue with Turkey was established at the level of political

directors.

The EU also greatly appreciated the strong Turkish engagement in CSDP missions, particularly

EUFOR Althea and EULEX Kosovo.

Turkey continued to be committed to the accession negotiation process and the political reform

agenda, but further efforts towards fully meeting the Copenhagen criteria are required in a number

of areas, in particular as regards fundamental freedoms. Efforts to intensify dialogue and

cooperation with Turkey in its fight against terrorism as well as to launch a dialogue on visa,

mobility and migration in line with the established practice have continued.

42 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 9 March 2011 on Turkey's 2010 progress report (P7_TA(2011)0090)


In its conclusions of December 2011, the General Affairs Council underlined that Turkey needed to

commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations and to the peaceful settlement of disputes

in accordance with the United Nations Charter, having recourse, if necessary, to the International

Court of Justice. It expressed serious concern and urged the avoidance of any kind of threat or

action directed against a Member State, or source of friction or actions, which could damage good

neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Furthermore, the EU stressed again

all the sovereign rights of EU Member States which include, inter alia, entering into bilateral

agreements, and to explore and exploit their natural resources in accordance with the EU acquis and

international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

As recalled in the December 2011 European Council and General Affairs Council Conclusions, the

Council regretted Turkey’s statements to freeze its relations with the EU Presidency during the

second half of 2012, and underlines that the role of the Presidency of the Council of the EU is

provided for in the Treaty on European Union.

In its conclusions of December 2011 the Council also noted with deep regret that Turkey, despite

repeated calls, continued refusing to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation

of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement towards all Member States. In the absence

of progress on this issue, the Council will maintain its measures from 2006, which will have a

continuous effect on the overall progress of the negotiations. Furthermore, Turkey has still not made

progress towards the

necessary normalisation of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus.


The Council also said Turkey is expected to actively support the ongoing negotiations aimed at a

fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework, in

accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on

which the Union is founded. Turkey’s commitment and contribution in concrete terms to such a

comprehensive settlement is crucial.

4.2. WESTERN EUROPE

As regards the Western European neighbours, the basis for the EU’s relations with these countries

is formed by comprehensive cooperation agreements such as the European Economic Area

Agreement (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) or Schengen (the same three plus Switzerland).

In the CFSP area, EU cooperation with the EEA/EFTA States was further deepened in 2011 through

their alignment with a large number of CFSP declarations as well as through cooperation in certain

joint actions. Norway participated in EULEX Kosovo and EUPOL Afghanistan operations. As

regards Switzerland, it has 14 staff in two missions (EULEX Kosovo 12 and EUPM BiH).

The EU also had regular political dialogues at different levels and in different contexts; with an

increase of more informal ones in the margin of important international events.


4.2.1. NORWAY There is very good and close cooperation between the EU and Norway in the

field of foreign policy, and notably on the Middle East, the Arab Spring and Arctic issues. As

Norway is the Chair of the Ad-hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) on Palestine (an international donor

group in support of the Palestinians), the Norwegian Foreign Minister Støre took part in the

discussions about the peace process in the Middle East at the Gymnich informal meeting of

Ministers of Foreign Affairs in September 2011. Norway, as Iceland, is a strong supporter of the

EU's application for permanent observer status in the Arctic Council. Norway remains a key partner

in the area of energy security (see also page XX).

4.2.2. SWITZERLAND With Switzerland, cooperation continued in areas such as the South

Caucasus, the democratic process in the North of Africa and the Middle East Peace Process.

4.2.3. ICELAND Accession negotiations continued with Iceland following the opening of

negotiations in July 2010, including a specific chapter on Foreign, Security and Defence Policy. By

December 2011, eleven chapters of Iceland’s negotiations had been opened and six had been closed.

Iceland continues to make good progress in its accession negotiations.

5. ASIA

Asia is home to four of the EU’s strategic partners and is the world's fastest-growing region. Europe

is working to strengthen its ties with this dynamic region, not only in terms of trade and investment,

but increasingly also in the political and security areas. To this end the EU has pursued a policy of

regional engagement, in addition to advancing bilateral relations with its Asian partners.


At the regional level, the 10th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held

in Budapest in June 2011 with 47 Foreign Ministers from Europe and Asia together with the High

Representative addressing global economic governance, sustainable development, global issues,

regional issues, people-to-people relations between Asia and Europe and the future of ASEM. In

particular there was an in-depth exchange of views on issues relating to non-traditional security.

5.1. SOUTH ASIA

5.1.1. INDIA 2011 saw the continuation of efforts to reinforce the political and strategic dimension

of the EU-India strategic partnership43. The Ministerial meeting as well as the Summit were held in

the beginning of 2012, coinciding with a visit of the High Representative. In November 2011, the

first Foreign Policy Consultations on senior officials’ level took place in New Delhi. This is

intended to become a yearly event in order to broaden and deepen exchanges and consultations on

regional and global issues as well as on security cooperation and to prepare the Ministerial meeting.

In the area of security cooperation, progress continued through the holding of a Security Dialogue

in New Delhi in May 2011 as well as through subsequent working level meetings on anti-

piracy, counter-terrorism and the launching of consultations on cyber-security issues; all in line with

agreements made at the 11th Summit held in December 2010. Finally, a further meeting of the

India-EU human rights dialogue44 took place in 2011.

43 The European Parliament adopted on 11 May 2011 a resolution on the state of play in the EU-India Free Trade Agreement

negotiations (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0224) 44 The European Parliament adopted on 7 July 2011 a resolution on India, in particular the death sentence on Davinder Pal Singh

(P7_TA-PROV(2011)0342).


5.1.2. AFGHANISTAN The Bonn Conference on Afghanistan45 in December 2011 confirmed the

long-term international commitment to Afghanistan beyond the end of transition in 2014. In this

context, the EU made commitments to continue acting as both security and development partner of

post-transition Afghanistan and announced the launch of negotiations on a Co-operation Agreement

on Partnership and Development with Afghanistan. The double-hatted Head of Delegation/EUSR

Vygaudas Usackas continued to play an important role in strengthening EU presence on the ground,

as foreseen in the EU Action Plan on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In 2011, EUPOL Afghanistan consolidated its activities in the area of civilian policing around

three programmatic pillars: institutional reform of the Ministry of Interior (MoI), professionalisation

of the Afghan National Police (ANP), and linking police with the justice sector.

While significant challenges remain, the need to move gradually from counter- insurgency towards

civilian, rule-of-law-based policing capability has been recognised. The increased emphasis placed

on training Afghan Police leaders and on the establishment of Afghan-owned training capacity in

the framework of the Kabul Police Staff College has been successful, with courses delivered to a

total of 1,600 senior Afghan police officers to date.

At the 2011 Bonn Conference, the High Representative, on behalf of the EU, declared the EU’s

resolve to extend the mandate of the mission till 2014; the parameters of this extension are to be

decided in 2012.

45 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on a new strategy for Afghanistan on 16 December 2010 (P7_TA-

PROV(2010)0490).


5.1.3 PAKISTAN The EU and Pakistan46 negotiated and agreed a 5-year Engagement Plan based

on the principles of mutual respect, trust and interest and with the aim of building a strategic

relationship. The Engagement Plan, which was agreed upon at the occasion of the political dialogue

at Political Directors’ level in November 2011, is a broad political framework under which the

scope of EU and Pakistan political and policy dialogue will expand 47. In response to the floods

which devastated Pakistan in 2011 for a second year running and by which nearly 6 million people

were affected, the EU again reacted swiftly by providing humanitarian assistance. EU’s and

Member States’ combined support totalled nearly €146 million. Progress continued in pursuit of EU

trade concessions at the WTO on behalf of Pakistan to assist economic recovery in the wake of the

floods. Following the July 2011 FAC Pakistan conclusions which highlighted the importance of

cooperation in the field of security and combating terrorism, preparations started for a regular EU-

Pakistan counter-terrorism dialogue and future activities in the field.

5.1.4. SRI LANKA The EU aimed to develop a policy of progressive re-engagement with Sri

Lanka in sectors of mutual interest, such as civil aviation, tourism and the environment, and to work

towards the future resumption of regular dialogue in the framework of the Joint Commission. The

EU continued to pay close attention to the human rights situation and to post-conflict

reconstruction. Following the adoption of the report of the UN Panel of Experts on the alleged

violations of international human rights and humanitarian law during the military conflict and of the

report of the Sri Lankan Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission48, the EU encouraged the

authorities to take the necessary steps to promote genuine reconciliation, to address the issue of

accountability and to engage with the United Nations in this regard.

46 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 15 December 2011 on the situation of women in Afghanistan and Pakistan

(P7_TA-PROV(2011)0591). The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 10 March 2011 on Pakistan, in particular the murder of Shahbaz Bhatti (P7_TA(2011)0098) and a resolution on the murder of Governor Salmaan Taseer on 20 January 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0026).

47 The dialogue will encompass the following areas security; democracy, governance, human rights and socio-economic development; trade and investment; energy; sector cooperation in a range of areas including migration, cultural cooperation, vocational education, agriculture, water management, health and research

48 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 12 May 2011 on the situation in Sri Lanka (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0242).


5.1.5. BANGLADESH In Bangladesh, the EU key priorities remained support to democratic

institutions, poverty alleviation and the fight against climate change, through its development

cooperation programmes, political dialogue, including at the highest level, and the pursuit of

ambitious outcomes in international climate change negotiations.

5.2. SOUTH EAST ASIA

5.2.1. ASEAN The EU continued its political dialogue with ASEAN, in particular at the Senior

Officials Meeting in Warsaw in October 2011, which focused on preparations for the forthcoming

EU/ASEAN Ministerial meeting in Brunei (April 2012); at which ministers should reaffirm the

strategic importance of EU-ASEAN relations and bring these forward through a new Joint Action

Plan. Progress continued to be made in ratifying the Third Protocol to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity

and Cooperation by the signatory parties; when completed (most likely by July 2012) this will allow

the EU to accede to the Treaty.

The EU also made substantive progress in negotiations of Partnership and Cooperation Agreements

(PCA) with a number of ASEAN countries, in particular Malaysia and Singapore. PCAs with

Vietnam and the Philippines have already been initialled. While maintaining the strategic objective

of a region-to-region Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the EU continued to pursue bilateral FTAs with

ASEAN countries and made significant progress in negotiations with Malaysia and Singapore and

was ready to open negotiations with Vietnam.


5.2.2. BURMA/MYANMAR EU engagement with Burma/Myanmar picked up markedly during

the year in response to the changes towards more democracy in the country which emerged after the

new Government took office. The EU had given a signal in April 2011 when renewing the Council

Decision imposing restrictive measures that it would respond to positive steps by the Government

by suspending the travel ban and asset freeze measures for certain members of the government with

no affiliation to the military, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The visits of Special Envoy

Piero Fassino and Counsellor Robert Cooper during the year helped to improve communication

about EU expectations and willingness to respond with the new Government as it embarked on

reforms. However, a number of challenges remain, including a significant number of political

prisoners that remain in jail, ongoing fighting in ethnic areas and reports of serious human rights

abuses in Kachin State between government and ethnic armed forces.

5.3. EAST ASIA

5.3.1. CHINA The 2nd EU-China Strategic Dialogue between the High Representative and State

Councillor Dai Bingguo took place in Budapest / Gödöllő in May 2011. The meeting confirmed the

solid basis of the political pillar of the EU-China Strategic Partnership and allowed a

comprehensive exchange between the two sides on major international issues, such as Iran, Egypt,

Libya, Tunisia, on human rights 49, on the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA mission, as well as on

concrete projects to be developed, such as green technology.

49 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 7 April 2011 on the case of Ai Weiwei (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0157) and a

resolution on the situation and cultural heritage in Kashgar on 10 March 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0100).


President Van Rompuy visited China on 15-19 May, at the invitation of President Hu Jintao. The

visit reflected the importance that the EU and China attribute to their strategic partnership since its

creation in 2003. He met with Chinese President Hu Jintao on 16 May and they recognised the

importance to cooperate strongly to address global challenges, such as on global governance and

financial stability. In this regard, both sides stressed the great value of G20 and its role in ensuring

economic and financial cooperation at global level. They also agreed that at the next summit a new

third pillar aiming at enhancing people-to-people contacts should be added to the architecture of

EU-China relation50.

The High Representative visited China in October 2011. She met with Dai Bingguo, Foreign

Minister Yang Jiechi and Minister of Defence Liang Guanglie and discussed among others

international challenges (North Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific), the economic crisis, bilateral

relations and human rights.

2011 was designated as the EU-China Year of Youth. While this has been opening many

opportunities to step up our relations by focusing on events and exchanges of young people, it has

also stressed the importance of focussing on people-to-people contacts to better improve mutual

understanding.

50 The 14th EU-China Summit, initially foreseen for October 25th in Tianjin, was postponed because of unexpected meetings of the

European Council and the Heads of State and Government of the Eurozone countries. It finally took place in Beijing on February 14th 2012.


5.3.2. JAPAN The 20th EU-Japan Summit in May 2011 took place against the backdrop of the triple

disaster (earthquake, tsunami, nuclear accident) which hit Japan on 11 March51. Also in March, the

EU activated its crisis response system the help deal with the disaster’s humanitarian consequences.

The EU and Japan confirmed their willingness to strengthen all aspects of the bilateral relationship,

and launched the process for two parallel and complementary agreements: a comprehensive

agreement covering political, global and sectoral cooperation and an ambitious Free Trade

Agreement52. The summit set out principles for concrete cooperation in the field of nuclear safety,

energy and disaster management. It allowed for in-depth interaction with Japan on the world

economy, climate change and energy, as well as on regional issues such as the transition in the

Middle East and North Africa. The EU called for closer partnership on crisis management, aviation

and satellite navigation. In 2011, cooperation continued on maritime security and counter-piracy

off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. Japan contributed to the EU’s PEGASE

mechanism in support of Palestinian state-building efforts.

The High Representative visited Japan in November 2011. She discussed bilateral relations and

international challenges in the field of peace and security, and visited the Miyagi Prefecture to

express the EU’s solidarity for the people of one of the areas hit hardest by the earthquake and

tsunami as well as her confidence in the recovery efforts.

51 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 24 March 2011 on the situation in Japan, particularly the state of alert at the

nuclear power stations (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0118 52 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 11 May 2011 on the EU-Japan Trade relations (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0225).


5.3.3. REPUBLIC OF KOREA The EU and the Republic of Korea endeavoured to broaden and

deepen their relations across the board, in line with the decision of the last Summit of October 2010

to build a Strategic Partnership. Both sides intensified their political dialogue and identified areas

for closer cooperation on foreign policy and security issues at the first High-Level Political

Dialogue (political directors) held in November 2011, including the fight against piracy, the

transition process in Libya, the promotion of human rights, and development cooperation.

Cooperation was also stepped up concerning climate change, green growth, education and

innovation. The institutional basis for the new partnership was firmed up, with the provisional

application of the Free Trade Agreement 53 from 1 July, and the progress made with the ratification

of the upgraded Framework Agreement which was signed in May 2010.

5.3.4. DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA The EU continued its policy of critical engagement vis-à-vis the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and its support for international efforts for peace and stability on a nuclear- free Korean Peninsula. The EU maintained its serious concerns about the external proliferation activities of the DPRK. It therefore strengthened its Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) related sanctions against DPRK in December 2011 subjecting additional persons and entities to restrictive measures. The EU increased consultations with its international partners on the broader issue of stability of the Korean Peninsula. On the occasion of the death of Kim Jong- il in December 2011, the High Representative issued a statement encouraging the new leadership to work towards improving the situation of the country and expressing the EU’s readiness to work with its international partners and the DPRK to this end.

53 The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution on 17 February 2011 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of

the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part (P7_TA(2011)0063).


5.3.5. MONGOLIA In 2011 the EU and Mongolia took advantage of the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic relations to further deepen their cooperation. Although the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, initialled in December 2010, has not yet been signed, both sides continued to intensify cooperation in such areas as public sector capacity building, governance and rule of law, adoption of EU norms and standards, vocational education and training as well as SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) development. The EU has also expressed keen interest in assisting Mongolia with governance issues related to its rapidly expanding mining sector.

5.4. PACIFIC

5.4.1. AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND The year saw important steps to develop even stronger

and forward- looking relations with Australia and New Zealand. President Barroso visited both

countries in September 2011. While in New Zealand, he also participated in the Pacific Island

Forum.

At the end of October 2011, the High Representative visited Australia. She notably participated as Special Guest in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth in Australia, where she held numerous bilateral meetings, including Ministerial Consultations with New Zealand Foreign Minister. On that occasion an agreement was reached to seek a negotiating mandate for a Framework Agreement to upgrade the bilateral relationship. On 31 October negotiations were launched in Canberra on a Framework Agreement, which will be the basis for expanding practical cooperation and joint action in areas such as foreign affairs and security, development assistance, research and innovation, education and climate change. It was also agreed to open negotiations on a crisis management agreement.


5.4.2. FIJI The EU continued to monitor closely the political situation in Fiji and decided to amend

and extend the so-called appropriate measures (under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement and

Article 37 of the Development Cooperation Instrument) due to the absence of positive

developments in the areas of respect of democratic principles, rule of law and human rights and

fundamental freedoms (commitments agreed with Fiji in 2007). While development cooperation

with Fiji hence remains suspended with few exceptions the Council Decision opened the door to the

resumption of targeted assistance to vulnerable communities outside government channels.

6. AFRICA

2011 saw the birth of a new state, South Sudan, the consolidation of democracy in a number of

countries through credible elections and an effective African and international response to the post-

electoral crisis in Côte d’Ivoire. However, progress was uneven and huge challenges remained. To

this end, the EU launched several initiatives to enhance the coherence and effectiveness of the EU’s

multi- faceted engagement with the Sahel region, Sudan and South Sudan and especially the Horn of

Africa.

In 2011, the EU remained committed to strengthening its partnership with Africa and the role of the

African Union (AU) to promote peace and prosperity in the continent. Coordination during the

Libyan crisis, working with the AU in the Cairo Group and in the Libya Contact Group

demonstrated the added value of our political dialogue. The fourth Joint Consultative meeting

between the EU and AU PSC in Addis Ababa in May 2011 was also a positive step to further our

peace and security cooperation. The framework of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy continued to

provide guidance to our cooperation, in particular to the implementation of the second Action Plan

(2011-2013) adopted at the last Summit (November 2010).


On the Peace and Security front, the operationalisation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) progressed through the adoption of a road map for 2011-2014. A new cycle of exercises was initiated with the objective of evaluating the capacity of the AU and the Regional Economic Communities to conduct peace support operations. In the field of democratic governance and human rights, the EU and AU established two working groups to strengthen the dialogue on issues related to the governance of natural resources (including in conflict and post-conflict situations) and freedom of expression (including media as a vehicle for promoting democratic change). The EU's efforts to coordinate its position with the AU in international forums were marked by a Joint Statement on the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers issued on 12 February. Mr Gary Quince was appointed EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the African Union (AU) on 1 November 2011. Building on support to governance, the EU deployed 6 Electoral Observation Missions (EOMs) to Sub-Saharan Africa (Niger, Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo) and 4 Expert Missions (Benin, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic). The EU will actively ensure follow-up to the recommendations of the EOMs in dialogue with the governments concerned.

6.1. WEST AFRICA

6.1.1. SAHEL In March 2011, an EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel, one of the poorest regions of the world, was presented to the Foreign Affairs Council. The Sahel region faces the multiple and intertwined challenges of extreme poverty, the effects of climate change, frequent food crises, rapid population growth, fragile governance, corruption, unresolved internal tensions, the risk of violent extremism and radicalisation, illicit trafficking and terrorist- linked security threats. In few areas is the inter-dependence of security and development more obvious.


The primary focus of the Strategy in its initial phase was on Mali, Mauritania and Niger, articulating around four strands: (i) development, good governance and internal conflict resolution; (ii) political and diplomatic; (iii) security and rule of law; (iv) countering violent extremism. Building on existing national, bilateral and multilateral engagement, the EU worked in close cooperation with the countries of the region, civil society and regional and international bodies to fight the root causes of poverty. The EU is offering support in the area of economic development, good governance and improved access to key infrastructure and basic services for the local populations. A Senior Coordinator for the Sahel region, Mr. Manuel Lopez Blanco, was appointed and the Council affirmed its commitment to addressing the security challenges in the Sahel, including through CSDP engagement with a view to reinforce regional security capability. 6.1.2. CÔTE D’IVOIRE In Côte d'Ivoire54, the EU took a firm position in favour of the legally elected President Alassane Ouattara through diplomatic action and the adoption of EU autonomous restrictive measures, supplementing UN sanctions, against supporters of the illegitimate Gbagbo regime. After the fall of this regime in April 2011, the EU took immediate measures to support the post-crisis stabilisation. The restrictive measures were progressively lifted and development cooperation re- launched. On 23 November, President Ouattara made an official visit to Brussels where he met President Van Rompuy and President Barroso. This visit was the occasion to reiterate EU support for the return of democracy in Côte d'Ivoire and to encourage the Ivorian president to ensure impartial justice, reconciliation and reform of the security sector, as prerequisites for sustainable peace and stability.

54 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 7 April 2011 on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0152)


6.1.3. NIGERIA Nigeria continued its democratic consolidation with presidential elections in April

2011, which were deemed the fairest since the country's return to democracy and were monitored

by an EU Electoral Observation Mission. However, 2011 also became the year when the Boko

Haram violent extremist movement re-emerged as a serious security problem with a range of

terrorist attacks on state authorities, Christians and moderate Muslims, which were condemned by

the High Representative.

6.1.4. NIGER In Niger, in June 2011, following an exemplary democratic transition, consultations

under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement were concluded and EU development cooperation fully

resumed.

6.1.5. GUINEA-CONAKRY In Guinea-Conakry, following progress in the transition to

democracy, notably through the holding of democratic presidential elections in 2010, the EU eased

the conditions for the resumption of cooperation and removed sanctions against all but 5 persons

presumed responsible for the violent events in September 2009.

6.2. EAST AFRICA

6.2.1. HORN OF AFRICA The EU adopted a Strategic Framework in November 2011,

underlining the importance it attaches to its relations with the Horn of Africa and the breadth of

political, security, development and humanitarian engagement55, and building further on the work

done by the High Representative notably on piracy in 2010.

55 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 15 September 2011 on the famine in East Africa (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0389)


Stability in the Horn of Africa is in the strategic interest of the EU. An uncontrolled, politically

neglected and economically marginalised Horn of Africa not only impacts on the countries of the

region but also on the EU's stability and security. The Strategic Framework therefore recognises the

need to address the links between insecurity, poverty and governance and provides a holistic

approach that brings together the EU's multi- faceted engagement in the region.

The five overarching objectives of this framework are: to contribute to peace and security –EU

action in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan are at the heart of these efforts –but also deter future

conflict in the region; to mitigate the effects of insecurity in the region, such as piracy and

terrorism; to help build democratic and accountable state structures; to support development and

economic growth; and to foster regional cooperation, particularly through the Inter-Governmental

Authority for Development to which the eight Horn countries (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya,

Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda) belong. The EU will use all its instruments to

implement this comprehensive approach, for maximum impact. To assist implementation, the EU

appointed in December 2011 the first ever EUSR for the Horn, Mr. Alexander Rondos, with an

initial focus on Somalia, the regional dimensions of its conflict, and piracy.

Discussions among Member States started in late 2011 to prolong the mandate of the counter-

piracy Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta until December 2014. The Operation has allowed the

safe delivery of food aid by World Food Programme ships, escorting more than 120 commercial

vessels to Mogadishu, Somalia. A similar number of vulnerable vessels have been protected

delivering supplies to the AU Peace Support Operation AMISOM.


While the overall level of piracy activity in the region remains high, with real impact on

international trade, the EUNAVFOR counter-piracy operation has proven successful in reducing the

number of acts of piracy off the Somali coast. In 2011, the number of hijacked ships and of

successful attacks went down, which can in part be attributed to more effective EUNAVFOR

tactics, including a total of 75 disruptions undertaken in 2011.

On the basis of the transfer agreements with the Seychelles and with Kenya, 22 suspected pirates

have been transferred for prosecution in the Seychelles and 79 to Kenya since the beginning of the

operation. In parallel the EU worked with the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and

Crime) to provide support, under the Instrument for Stability, to the Seychelles’ judicial system. It

also concluded a Transfer Agreement with Mauritius and started negotiations with Tanzania on a

similar agreement.

As part of a comprehensive approach against piracy, the Council decided in December 2011 to

launch a mission in the framework of CSDP to build a maritime capacity in the region (EUCAP

Nestor). It will strengthen maritime capacities of five countries in the region and support a rule of

law response to piracy in Somalia.

In July 2011, the Council agreed to extend and refocus the mandate of the EU Training Mission

(EUTM Somalia) supporting the training of Somali security forces in Uganda. The EU military

mission continued to be conducted in close coordination with partners, including the Transitional

Federal Government/TFG(Somalia), Uganda, the AU, the UN and the US. The EUTM is a

significant element of the EU’s comprehensive engagement in support of Somalia.


During this second mandate, the EUTM will focus on the development of command and control and

self-training capability by providing training to junior officers, non-commissioned officers,

specialists and trainers. The new mandate will include two training periods of six months and is

expected to be completed by the end of 2012. In parallel, the EEAS monitored the reintegration and

employment of the soldiers trained during the first mandate and the results were fully satisfactory.

These soldiers contributed to expanding the area under the control of the TFG and AMISOM in

Mogadishu. The EU continued to offer financial support to AMISOM.

The Council in December 2011 agreed to accelerate planning for the activation of the Operations

Centre for the Horn of Africa operations.

6.2.2. SUDAN / SOUTH SUDAN The independence of South Sudan56 in July 2011 marked a

milestone in the implementation of the Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). In

addition to opening a new EU Delegation in Juba, the EU started to follow a comprehensive

approach to both Sudan and South Sudan. However, despite the optimism of the independence day

ceremony attended by the High Representative, the second half of the year saw a worrying

deterioration of relations between the two states. The EU remains concerned at the lack of progress

in resolving outstanding CPA and post-secession issues between Sudan and South Sudan. The

security situation and resulting humanitarian crises in Blue Nile, Southern Kordofan57 and Abyei

remained a particular focus for the EU.

56 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 9 June 2011 on Sudan and South Sudan: the situation after the 2011 referendum

(P7_TA-PROV(2011)0267). 57 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 15 September 2011 on Sudan: the situation in Southern Kordofan and the

eruption of fighting in Blue Nile State (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0393).


The EUSR for Sudan, Rosalind Marsden, was actively engaged, together with other international

partners, in supporting the process of CPA implementation, including the holding of a peaceful

referendum on self-determination for the people of South Sudan. She has also worked to resolve

the conflicts in Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.

To prevent a further deterioration of the Nile dispute the EU encouraged Nile Basin countries to

continue cooperation in order to manage the Nile water in a sustainable and mutually beneficial way

6.2.3. MADAGASCAR Madagascar58 remained an "Article 96 of Cotonou" country. However,

thanks to positive political developments (roadmap signed under South Africa Development

Community (SADC) mediation), the appropriate measures in force were amended in December

2011 allowing the EU to give its conditional backing to the ongoing transition process.

6.3. CENTRAL AFRICA

6.3.1. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) In the Great Lakes region, the

organisation of the presidential and legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo was

an important milestone in 2011. The High Representative issued four statements in November and

December 2011 expressing serious concerns about the process, denouncing irregularities, violence

and human rights abuses 59. The EU clearly criticised the serious deficiencies, the absence of

transparency in the vote count and publication of results which affected trust in the electoral

process. In October 2011, the High Representative appointed a Senior Coordinator for the Great

Lakes region, Koen Vervaeke.

58 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 9 June 2011 on the situation in Madagascar (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0270) 59 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 7 July 2011 on the Democratic Republic of Congo and the mass rapes in the

province of South Kivu (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0340).


In the Democratic Republic of the Congo two CSDP missions on Security Sector Reform (SSR) are

ongoing: EUSEC RD Congo and EUPOL RD Congo.

In 2010 the mandate for EUSEC RD Congo was extended until September 2012. The mission

assists the Congolese authorities on defence reform at strategic level, on administration and human

resources management, military education, logistics, human rights and civil-military cooperation.

EUSEC provides military advice directly to the Congolese authorities and contributes to these

objectives through projects on the ground.

In 2011 EUSEC helped the Congolese authorities with the distribution of military identity cards

throughout the country and it continues to assist human resources management and administrative

and financial matters. One of the main tasks of the Congolese authorities for the upcoming period is

the implementation of the law organising the Congolese army of August 2011. EUSEC assists this

process directly.

In 2011, EUPOL RD Congo continued supporting SSR in the field of policing and its interface with

the justice system, by means of monitoring, mentoring and advisory action, assisting the Congolese

authorities in the implementation of the Police Action Plan and the related legislative framework. It

contributed to local and international efforts for the reinforcement of the national police force

(PNC) capabilities and on capacity building as well as the enhancement of the interaction between

the PNC and the wider criminal justice system. In 2011 the mandate of EUPOL was extended to

September 2012.


6.3.2. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR) The Central African Republic continued to be

volatile after the 2011 general elections resulted in a narrowing of the political space. This led to an

even stronger EU engagement in the form of a reinforced political dialogue with the CAR

authorities. The EU kept its focus on the continuation of national reconciliation and consolidation of

peace in the country, also by supporting the ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African

States)-led African peace-building mission in the CAR (MICOPAX).

6.4. SOUTHERN AFRICA

6.4.1. SOUTH AFRICA The fourth annual South Africa-European Union Summit in September

2011 marked a deepening in the Strategic Partnership with useful steps forward on the SADC-EU

EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) trade negotiations, on Zimbabwe, and on achieving more

mutual understanding on Libya. The Summit took stock and welcomed the progress achieved in the

implementation of the Partnership through the Joint Action Plan, as well as the high- level political

dialogues which took place during the year, including the third meeting with South Africa at PSC

level in Pretoria in June.


6.4.2. ZIMBABWE Regarding Zimbabwe60, the EU played a leading role in finding consensus

among Kimberley Process (KP) members on the exploitation of Marange diamonds, and in

November 2011 secured an agreement upholding its principles and objectives. The High

Representative issued a statement welcoming this positive outcome not only for the KP but also for

the people of Zimbabwe, enhancing transparency so that they could benefit from the revenues

derived from the export of natural resources. In the context of its re-engagement process with

Zimbabwe, the EU removed 35 people from the visa ban and asset freeze list, in response to the

significant progress made in addressing the economic crisis and in improving the delivery of basic

social services. The EU expressed its willingness to review remaining measures in light of concrete

progress in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement and the preparation of credible

elections.

6.4.3. ZAMBIA In Zambia the presidential and parliamentary elections were organised in a transparent and credible manner, resulting in a successful transition of power that set a positive example for the region. The EU monitored the electoral process through an Electoral Observation Mission.

7. AMERICAS

7.1. NORTH AMERICA

7.1.1. UNITED STATES (US) The US remains a key partner for the EU. Throughout 2011 the

Strategic Partnership between the EU and the United States was further reinforced. Contacts

between the High Representative and Secretary of State Clinton were frequent and close. She also

met regularly with US National Security Adviser Tom Donilon.

60 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 7 April 2011 on Zimbabwe (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0159).


The EU-US Summit61 in Washington on 28 November focused on jobs and growth, global

challenges, the security of our citizens and on foreign policy. It highlighted growth and jobs as a

major economic challenge and a key area for EU-US cooperation in the current economic climate,

and established an EU-US High-Level Working Group on the issue. The progress by EU-US

Working Group on Cyber Security and Cyber Crime was welcomed. The importance of the TEC

(Transatlantic Economic Council), which met on 29 November, was also emphasized and its role in

boosting trade and creating jobs was highlighted. The Summit was preceded by a ministerial

meeting of the EU-US Energy Council co-chaired by the High Representative and Secretary of

State Clinton, which further intensified EU-US cooperation on energy security.

The year was marked by strong and effective EU-US cooperation on foreign policy. This focused

on the EU’s immediate neighbourhood and the Middle East where the High Representative and the

EEAS were very active. The EU and US closely co-ordinated their plans to assist the reform

process in North Africa and the Middle East, on the political and humanitarian situation in Libya, as

well as on restrictive measures vis-à-vis Libya, Syria and Iran. In addition, there was a substantive

dialogue on the long-term outlook for the region. They cooperated closely in the MEPP Quartet.

There was also joint engagement at high level in Ukraine, Belarus and the Balkans. There was a full

programme of political dialogue meetings at all levels.

61 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the EU-US summit and Transatlantic Economic Council on 17 November 2011

(T7-0510/2011)


The already fruitful cooperation in the field of crisis management was further extended in 2011 with

the signature of a Framework Participation Agreement on 18 May 2011 to facilitate US engagement

in CSDP missions and operations. The US was actively involved in CSDP crisis management

operations, in particular in Kosovo (EULEX) and in DRC (EUSEC and EUPOL RD Congo). The

excellent collaboration between naval forces in the Indian Ocean (CTF 151 and Atalanta) should

also be noted.

7.1.2. CANADA EU-Canada relations were dominated in 2011 by a set of high-profile

negotiations, in particular on upgrading the 1976 Framework Agreement, which both sides wish to

see completed in 2012, as well on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement62. The new

Strategic Partnership Agreement will enshrine, in a legally-binding instrument, political dialogues,

common commitments and shared values on human rights, democracy, rule of law, non-

proliferation, promotion of the ICC and counter-terrorism. It will also frame already existing

cooperation in international peace and security issues, besides other areas of cooperation.

In 2011, the EU maintained a full programme of political dialogue with Canada. The High

Representative held several meetings with the Foreign Minister of Canada and they remained in

regular contact. Canada continued to contribute to EU CSDP missions in Afghanistan and the

Palestinian Territories, as well as participating in EU Electoral Observation Missions in Tunisia,

DR Congo, Niger and Sudan63. There was strong cooperation on issues such as sanctions against

Iran and Syria as well as effective coordination following the “Arab Spring” in Tunisia, Egypt and

Libya. A full programme of political dialogue meetings was completed.

62 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 8 June 2011 on the EU-Canada trade relations (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0257). 63 The EU, Canada and the Belgian Government co-hosted a conference in Brussels on “Haiti, one year after the earthquake” in

February 2011, reflecting close coordination on the ground and reflecting on the way forward.


7.2. SOUTH AMERICA

MULTILATERAL

7.2.1. AMERICA and THE CARIBBEAN (LAC) Political relations with Latin America and the

Caribbean continued to strengthen in 2011. Progress was made in implementing the results of the

2010 Madrid Summit: the Association Agreement with Central America and the Trade Agreement

with Colombia and Peru have been initialled. Four rounds of negotiations for the EU-Mercosur

Association Agreement were held, leading to considerable progress. The EU-LAC Foundation

Headquarters in Hamburg were inaugurated in November 2011 while the Latin America Investment

Facility proved a particularly effective instrument to support investment in the region. The

implementation of the Madrid Action Plan continued.

Preparations for the forthcoming EU-LAC Summit – due to take place in Santiago de Chile in

January 2013 –started in 2011. The Summit theme: “Alliance for Sustainable Development:

Promoting Investments of Social and Environmental Quality” is particularly pertinent. Three EU-

LAC Senior Official Meetings for the preparation of this Summit took place in January, April and

October 2011.

Security remained an important issue for the LAC region. “Ad hoc” Security Dialogues with

Mexico and Central America were launched. The EU provided strong political support to the

Central American Security Strategy presented at the June 2011 International Conference in

Guatemala. The EU was actively involved in its follow-up through the mechanism of the so-called

“Group of Friends”. Several meetings of the EU/LAC Mechanism on Drugs took place. Security-

related matters were also key topics in the political consultations held with Russia, Canada and the

United States on LAC. The EU–LAC structured dialogue on migration continued through High

Level and more technical meetings.


7.2.2. EURO-LATIN AMERICAN PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY (EUROLAT)

EUROLAT contributed significantly to policy definition as regards the region and to the follow up

of developments. In April 2011, the Assembly’s Executive Bureau met in Cartagena de Indias

(Colombia), mainly to prepare the V EUROLAT Plenary Assembly of May 2011 in Montevideo.

Meetings of the Bureau and EUROLAT Committees were held in May (back to back with the

Plenary) and November (Brussels). The High Representative intervened in this latter meeting,

which was much welcomed by the Assembly.

7.2.3. CARIFORUM The relations with the Caribbean Region during the year 2011 were characterised by a follow-up to the significant number of initiatives launched in 2010. Pursuing and strengthening political dialogue with the region remained a priority (an EU-Cariforum political dialogue at senior officials’ level is planned to take place in 2012). A final draft of the EU Caribbean Joint Strategy, launched at the EU-CARIFORUM Summit in 2010, was prepared for institutional processing and its launch is expected during 2012 64.

BILATERAL

7.2.4. BRAZIL The 5th EU-Brazil Summit in October in Brussels confirmed the solidity of the EU

– Brazil strategic relationship and focused on EU-Brazil65 relations, the international economic

situation, climate change, energy, and the EU-Mercosur negotiations for an Association Agreement.

64 In the areas of trade and cooperation, the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) gained pace with the

organization of the Trade and Development Committee, the establishment of EPA implementations units, and a consultation with EU Member States concerning the optimization of the impact of the EPA. The regional MTR process launched confirmed the relevance of maintaining the focal sector of regional integration, and documented that the Caribbean Region is in the lead amongst ACP regions in terms of commitment rates under the 10th EDF regional envelope. Finally, the long awaited Caribbean Infrastructure Trust Fund was approved by the EDF Committee in the form of a Caribbean Investment Facility, which will be launched in 2012.

65 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 20 January 2011 on Brazil: extradition of Cesare Battisti (P7_TA(2011)0027).


Among the deliverables of particular importance were a €500 million loan agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social (BNDES) for projects on renewable energy and energy efficiency, the signature of the Joint Programme on Culture 2011-2014, and the signature of three Letters of Intent aiming to facilitate tourism flows between the EU and Brazil, the establishment of a structured space policy dialogue and strengthening the scientific cooperation between the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil.

A political dialogue at the level of Political Directors was established to enhance cooperation on bilateral and international issues. A first meeting took place in Brussels in May 2011.

7.2.5. MEXICO Relations with Mexico, one of our strategic partners, deepened in 2011. The year

witnessed increased coordination to promote shared positions on issues such as climate change and

the spread of democracy. The second session of the high- level bilateral dialogue on human rights

was held in March 2011, with particular focus on the internal situation in Mexico and the reforms

undertaken by the federal government in compliance with its international obligations. A Joint

Committee with Mexico took place in October 2011 to review the implementation of the Global

Agreement and Strategic Partnership.

7.2.6. CUBA The sixth EU-Cuba political dialogue session took place in February in Brussels.

Human rights issues were raised, as well as international agenda questions, notably climate change.

The reflection launched by the Council of 25 October 2010 on the future of EU-Cuba relations

continued.


7.2.6. HAITI In 2011, the EU continued to provide crucial humanitarian aid and cooperation

assistance in support to Haiti's reconstruction66. The appointment of Prime Minister Conille and the

establishment of a new Cabinet in the third quarter 2011 ended a prolonged period of political crisis

and allowed bilateral EU-Haiti political dialogue to gain new momentum. In the domain of human

rights, the EU provided a significant contribution to the preparation of Haiti's first Universal

Periodic Review under the UN Human Rights Council.

7.2.7. ANDEAN COUNTRIES As regards Andean countries, the 5th Association Council with

Chile (7 October 2011) confirmed the continuing successful implementation of the Association

Agreement. Negotiations were launched for an agreement to provide a framework for Chile to take

part in EU crisis management operations. Following the initialling of the EU’s Trade Agreement

with Peru and Colombia in March, the process of adoption of the agreement has been launched. In

Colombia, the economic opportunities which the agreement provides are expected to contribute to

breaking the stranglehold of the illegal drugs economy and support President Santos’ peace agenda;

in Peru the Agreement by promoting sustainable economic development will help the fight against

drugs and the strenghtening of conflict prevention and management mechanisms. The EU continued

to combat drugs and narco-trafficking in the Andean region as a whole, tackling this essential issue

in meetings not only with Colombia (December) and Peru (March and December), but also with

Bolivia (September). Moreover, the EU is contributing to the stabilisation efforts on the border

between Colombia and Ecuador.

66 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 19 January 2011 on the situation in Haiti one year after the earthquake:

humanitarian aid and reconstruction (P7_TA(2011)0018).


B. ADDRESSING THREATS AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES

1. PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION (WMD) AND THEIR

MEANS OF DELIVERY / CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS

1.1. NON-PROLIFERATION OF WMD

Non-proliferation and disarmament continued to be an integral part of the EU's foreign policy in

201167.

Using the new opportunities provided by the Lisbon Treaty efforts have been undertaken to

strengthen coordination between EU institutions and Member States. Priority was attached to

bringing together all instruments and tools at the disposal of the EU to ensure effective and

coherent implementation. Specifically, the EU continued to support universal accession to relevant

international treaties and instruments as well as their full implementation. The EU also continued to

promote the inclusion of non-proliferation clauses (covering WMD as well as small arms and light

weapons (SALW)) into agreements with third states. In 2011, negotiations on WMD and SALW

clauses were undertaken with Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, Georgia, Malaysia, and

MERCOSUR.

1.1.1. Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) The EU in 2011 focused its efforts on actively pursuing the

implementation of the Action Plan adopted by the 2010 NPT Review Conference. It organised a

successful EU Seminar in July 2011 on the WMD Free Zone in the Middle East, bringing together

nearly 200 academics and government officials from the EU, all countries of the region, third

countries as well as the relevant international organisations, to contribute to the process leading

towards the 2012 Conference to be organised by the UN.

67 The EU’s engagement across the spectrum of activities in this field was based on a set of strategic documents: The 2003 European

Security Strategy; the 2003 EU Strategy against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and the 2008 New Lines for Action in combating the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems; the 2005 EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and the 2008 Common Position on conventional arms exports.


The efforts undertaken by the EU regarding Iran and DPRK are outlined in the respective chapter of

Section A of this report.

1.1.2. Comprehensive-Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) The EU continued to promote the entry

into force of the CTBT by implementing its Council Decision of July 2010, in order to further

support the activities of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban

Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). This was complemented by diplomatic action68. The ratification in

December 2011 by Indonesia (as one of the then 9 remaining Annex 2 states to ratify CTBT) was

warmly welcomed by the High Representative as an additional step towards the objective

of eliminating all nuclear test explosions worldwide.

1.1.3. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) The EU also continued to provide support to

the IAEA in Vienna. 69 In 2011, it contributed substantively to the IAEA project of a Low-Enriched

Uranium Bank with €10 million through the Instrument of Stability (IfS) and announced its

readiness to further support this project with significant amounts from the IfS and the CFSP Budget.

The EU also contributed €5 million to the modernisation of the IAEA Safeguards Laboratory in

Seibersdorf (Austria). The aim is to make sure that when nuclear activities are undertaken by third

countries, the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and safeguards are met. The EU and its

Member States therefore also contribute to “peaceful uses” activities in the energy and non-energy

fields, partly through the IAEA, with approx. €150 million every year.

68 Political dialogues, demarches, statements delivered at the informal meeting of the UNGA Plenary celebrating the International

Day against Nuclear Tests and at the Art. XIV Conference in September 2011 in New York. 69 The EU remains a key donor to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund for the benefit of more than 50 countries in Africa, Middle East,

Latin America and Asia, with more than 30 mil € contributed since 2004.


1.1.4. Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) The EU continued efforts to promote universal

adhesion to and full implementation of the CWC. The Council began work on a draft Decision

building on the successful experience of cooperation between the EU and the Organisation for the

Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The EU also started work on its position regarding the

future of the OPCW.

1.1.5. Biological weapons The EU continued its work to prevent the threat posed by biological

weapons, which is a growing concern worldwide. 70 The EU engaged actively in the process leading

to the 7th BTWC Review Conference (December 2011), by negotiating a common position

adopted by the Council in July 2011. It set the EU priorities (confidence in compliance, national

implementation and universalisation of the convention) for a successful outcome of the Conference.

On that basis, the EU carried out bilateral consultations with key players and contributed to

achieving an outcome that could be considered positive overall although limited.

1.1.6. Export control As regards export control processes, the EU in 2011 continued to support the

implementation of UNSCR Resolutions 1540, 1673 and 1810 through a 2008 Council Joint Action

which aims at strengthening the skills and capacities of third countries' state officials.

70 The basis of this work is provided by two Joint Actions: one in support of the Biological Weapons Convention (BTWC) and one

supporting the World Health Organisation (WHO) in bio-safety and bio-security activities implementing the International Health Regulations, recognising the importance of preventive bio-safety and bio-security measures for international security. Four regional workshops and seven national assistance visits were carried out in 2011 by the UNODA. WHO organised three regional workshops and four assistance visits and completed a pilot project in Oman on bio-safety and bio-security. The two above-mentioned Joint Actions expired on 31 December 2011, paving the way for the kick-off of internal negotiations on a new Council Decisions in support of the BTWC and, respectively, the WHO in the fields of bio-safety and bio-security.


1.1.7 The EU continued the implementation of a 2008 Council Decision in support of the Hague

Code of Conduct (HCoC), the international instrument dealing with missiles, the main means of

delivery of WMD (outreach to non-subscribing states).

1.1.8 Under the Instrument for Stability, in its CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and

nuclear) risk mitigation component, the creation of CBRN Centres of Excellence in targeted

regions has progressed well and the first Centres are opening now in Jordan, Philippines, Georgia,

Morocco and Algeria. Their remit is to strengthen regional and international cooperation on all

chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks independent of their origin 71.

1.1.9 The EU also continued to follow in 2011 the international debate on depleted uranium and

the possible regulation of its use and production72.

1.1.10 The EU continued its work on a draft International Code of Conduct enhancing confidence-

building and transparency in outer space activities, consulting with third countries.

71 The UN Security Council has recently welcomed the establishment of these Centres (UNSC Presidential Statement 19 April 2012). 72 Following the adoption by the European Parliament of the 2008 resolution on the use of depleted uranium and of the 2010

recommendations to the Council on the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, dialogue between the European Parliament, the Council, and the EEAS continued in 2011, including through a specific SEDE hearing on this issue on 6 October 2011, with the participation of the EEAS.


1.2. CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS

1.2.1. Export control Member States' export control policies on conventional arms continued to be guided by the Council Common Position of December 2008, which defines common rules governing the control of exports of military technology and equipment. During the last months of 2011, the Council Working Party on conventional arms exports (COARM) started preparations for the review process, to be conducted in 2012. The Council and the EEAS continued in 2011 to develop an in-depth dialogue with the EP on export controls policies 73. In 2011, the EU was particularly active in outreach, funding and supporting initiatives for strengthening the implementation by third countries of effective arms export controls through seminars and study visits in various Member States74. The EU continued to be fully involved in the negotiation of an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), participating in the March and July 2011 sessions of the ATT Preparatory Committee and the EU was also particularly active in carrying out intensive outreach efforts worldwide. 75 1.2.2. Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) In line with its 2005 Strategy on the issue, the EU continued to promote strong control over SALW in all multilateral fora and in its political dialogue with third countries. In 2011, the EU continued to fund the development of tools preventing illicit trade and also continued to provide assistance to management of stockpiles, collection, registration and reporting of weapons transfer and destruction of surplus in the Western Balkans.

73 The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution of 13 October 2011 on the proposal for a regulation of the European

Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations' Firearms Protocol and establishing export authorisation, and import and transit measures for firearms, their parts and components and ammunition (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0440).

74 As part of the implementation of the 2009 Council Decision on outreach in the field of conventional arms exports, two outreach seminars aiming at promoting the principles and criteria of the 2008 Common Position were organised. In addition, Hungary, Portugal, Poland, and the Czech Republic hosted four study visits for candidate countries officials responsible for conventional arms export controls in Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro.

75Following the adoption in 2010 of a new Council Decision to support the ATT negotiation process, four regional seminars were organized in cooperation with UNIDIR (UN Institute on Disarmament Research) for countries in Southern and Central Asia (in Nepal, November 2010), Western, Northern and Central Africa (in Morocco, in February 2011), in the Americas and Caribbean (in Uruguay, in April 2011), and Eastern Asia and Pacific (in Indonesia, in June 2011).


The EU actively participated in the informal consultations in preparation of the 2012 Review Conference on the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW (UN PoA) and also adopted a new Council Decision in support of activities of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs to implement the UN PoA. The EU views the PoA as a key instrument for addressing the security-development nexus and generating solutions to prevent and reduce insecurity and promote human rights.

1.2.3. Anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions The EU continued to promote the

universalisation and full implementation of the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel landmines

as well as the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) at different conferences and meetings

throughout 2011. 76

2. TERRORISM AND ORGANISED CRIME

2.1. TERRORISM

During 2011, the EU addressed the terrorist threat in the framework of the UN and in its relations

with third countries and international organisations. In terms of thematic areas, priority was given to

prevention, the fight against radicalisation and recruitment, as well as against financing of terrorism

in the EU and beyond. Furthermore, the EU ensured that UN sanctions regimes against Al Qaida

and the Taliban continued to be duly updated and implemented by the EU.

76In 2011, the EU contributed as observer to the second Conference of States Parties to the Oslo Convention on Cluster Munitions

(Beirut, 11-16 September). It took part in the Eleventh Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Anti-Personnel Landmines (Phnom Penh, 28 November - 2 December) and closely followed the negotiations on a possible protocol on cluster munitions in the framework of the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) as well as the 4th CCW Review Conference. The European Parliament adopted a resolution banning cluster munitions on 17 November 2011 (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0512 and a resolution on 7 July 2011 on Progress on Mine Action (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0339).


The EU expressed solidarity with, and recognised the need to respect the rights of, victims of

terrorism. The EU recognised the importance of providing assistance and support to all who suffer

from terrorism.

In terms of geographical counter-terrorism priorities, the EU continued to prioritise Asia, Africa and

the Middle East with a particular focus on the countries from which Europe faces the greatest threat,

namely Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, the Sahel and Yemen77. The main financial

instrument to support third countries in their efforts to prevent and counter terrorism remained the

Stability Instrument (IfS).

The EU strongly supported the launch of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) in

September 2011 in New York. The GCTF offers a valuable opportunity to promote multilateral and

civilian- led cooperation on counter-terrorism and capacity building in “terrorist vulnerable” states.78

The EU is actively involved in the GCTF activities and co-chairs the working group on the Horn of

Africa region with Turkey. The active engagement of the EU in countering terrorism in the Horn of

Africa region is guided by the EU Strategic Framework adopted in 2011.

77The EU also reinforced its political dialogue and cooperation with third states on capacity-building in the field of counter-terrorism.

Dialogues were held with the US, the UN, Turkey, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 78GCTF promotes the full implementation of the UN Global CT Strategy. The overall objectives of the GCTF aim at coordination

with international partners and promotion of effective multilateralism. The aims are to tackle terrorism as one of the root causes of instability and at the same time promotion of capacity building. The European Union has remained one of the strongest proponents of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its overall approach that it embodies. The EU and UN joint efforts in Central Asia led to effective enhancement of regional co-operation in the fight against terrorism. In this context a Plan of Action concerning the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was adopted.


The counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region are an integral part of the EU Strategy for

Security and Development in the Sahel, which represents a significant step forward in bringing

together development and security related aspects of the EU’s work in the region. In this context,

EU assistance to the counter-terrorism efforts of Mali and Mauritania was extended to Niger in

2011, focusing on law enforcement, criminal justice and rule of law while promoting the full

respect of human rights. A special effort was made to ensure proper coordination with other EU

development instruments, and with EU Member State efforts. The wide dissemination of weapons

as a result of the Libya crisis has added new challenges to this already complex picture, further

affecting the stability of this region.

2.2. ORGANISED CRIME

In 2011, the EU continued to address trafficking of drugs and other contraband along the ‘heroin

route’ as well as the ‘cocaine route’, inter alia through capacity building in targeted countries and

facilitating (trans)regional information exchange. These actions also seek to complement the EU

Policy Cycle for organised and serious international crime 2011-13, a new policy planning and

implementation process within the EU.

3. CONFLICT PREVENTION AND MEDIATION

Article 21 of the Treaty of Lisbon puts the preservation of peace, preventing conflicts and

strengthening international security as a core aim of the external action of the EU.


The Foreign Affairs Council concluded in June 2011 that ten years after its adoption the

Gothenburg Programme, remained a valid policy basis for further EU action in the field of conflict

prevention. The Council registered substantial progress in the implementation of the Gothenburg

Programme, and saw scope for reinvigoration of EU efforts and highlighted three areas:

strengthening early warning capacity and bridging the gap with early action, strengthening EU’s

mediation capacity and conflict analysis tools, and building and intensifying partnerships with

international organisations and non-governmental organisations and relevant institutions.

4. ENERGY SECURITY

The Communication of the Commission in association with the High Representative on security of

energy supply and international cooperation79 was published in September 2011. It sets out

a comprehensive strategy for the EU's external relations in energy and for security of supply.

Improved coordination among EU Member States in identifying and implementing clear priorities

in external energy policy is the central approach. In November, the Council on Transport,

Telecommunication and Energy tasked the Foreign Affairs Council to pursue the development of

this policy.

The EU’s energy relationship with Russia continued to be marked by strong interdependence, as

Russia remained the EU's main external energy supplier and the EU the biggest external consumer

of Russian hydrocarbon resources. The EU-Russia Energy Early Warning Mechanism, signed in

November 2009, was adapted and enhanced in February 2011 80.

79 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee

and the Committee of the Regions On security of energy supply and international cooperation - "The EU Energy Policy: Engaging with Partners beyond Our Borders", COM(2011) 539 final, 07.09.2011.

80 The EU-Russia Summits on 9-10 June 2011 in Nizhniy Novgorod and on 14-15 December 2011 in Brussels , as well as the EU Russia Foreign Ministers' Permanent Partnership Council on 17 November 2011 in Moscow and the EU Russia Permanent Partnership Council on Energy on 1 December 2011 in Moscow, provided useful fora for addressing inter alia energy security issues.


Ukraine joined the Energy Community on 1 February 2011. This extended the rules-based EU

internal energy market to an important energy transit country, thus contributing to strengthening the

EU’s energy security. Work on the integration of the Ukrainian energy market with the EU moved

ahead in 2011.

Bilateral energy discussions continued with other third countries. Notably, a Memorandum of

Understanding was signed in January 2011 with the Republic of Uzbekistan on cooperation in the

field of energy.

The strengthening of energy transport links remained an important area in the EU strategy for

Central Asia. In September 2011, the European Union adopted a mandate to negotiate a legally

binding treaty between the EU, Azerbaijan81 and Turkmenistan to build a Trans Caspian

Pipeline System. This is the first time that the EU has proposed a treaty in support of an

infrastructure project contributing to its energy security.

Norway is the second largest exporter of oil and gas to the EU, in 2011 accounting for 13 % and 24

% of EU imports respectively. Norway is also part of the internal energy market and applies the

relevant EU acquis. Norway remains a strong partner in terms of energy security and there is scope

for further development of Norway’s role in supplying energy to the EU. In addition, the EU-

Norway energy dialogue continued, with strong interest from Norway in the EU's Energy Roadmap

2050, in particular concerning the EU's future energy mix.

81 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 12 May 2011 on Azerbaijan (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0243). The European

Parliament adopted a resolution on 15 December 2011 on Azerbaijan, in particular the case of Rafig Tagi (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0590).


5. CLIMATE CHANGE AND SECURITY

In 2011, the EU’s climate diplomacy focused on preparing the successful UNFCCC (United

Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) conference of parties in Durban, South Africa,

in December 2011 82. The EU reached out to its partners in order to prepare for these events. For

example, it organised an EU-Africa roundtable of climate negotiators that helped align positions.

The Durban conference brought a breakthrough in international climate negotiations by agreeing on

a roadmap towards a future global and comprehensive agreement. Under this roadmap all countries,

and not only the industrialised country parties of the Kyoto Protocol, will take on legally binding

emission reduction and limitation commitments. The new agreement will be negotiated by 2015 and

enter into force in 2020 at the latest.

In July 2011, the Foreign Affairs Council mandated the Commission and the High Representative

to advance along three lines of action: (i) promoting ambitious climate action in third countries,

notably through continued political dialogues, (ii) facilitating the implementation of climate action,

in particular by EU and Member State financial assistance and cooperation, and (iii) addressing the

link between climate change and international security by further enhancing knowledge of climate-

induced threats and enabling early warning and early preventive action.83

82 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 16 November 2011 on the climate change conference in Durban (COP 17)

(P7_TA-PROV(2011)0504). 83 Particular emphasis is being placed on synergising the contributions from all EU actors, for instance by upgrading the Green

Diplomacy Network bringing together the EEAS, the Commission services and Member States, both at headquarters and in-country.


C. CONTRIBUTION TO A MORE EFFECTIVE MULTILATERAL ORDER

The EU maintained its unequivocal support to multilateralism, as reaffirmed in the Lisbon Treaty84,

recognising that global challenges require global solutions. On the delivery of EU declarations in

International Organisations the Council endorsed the General Arrangements on 22 October 2011. A

coherent EU appearance in multilateral fora remains a priority.

1. UNITED NATIONS

Addressing the shortcomings imposed by the EU’s observer status at the UN was a key priority in 2011. The adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution 65/276 on the participation of the EU in the work of the UN in May 2011 was a significant step forward and the result of an intensive and well coordinated campaign led by the High Representative and involving EU institutions as well as Member States.

Resolution 65/276 has paved the way for EU participation in the UN General Assembly and its committees and working groups, in international meetings and conferences convened under the auspices of the Assembly and in United Nations conferences. The implementation of this resolution gave rise to considerable debate within the UN and it remains to be fully implemented.

During 2011, the implementation of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle continued to be a major priority for the EU at the UN85. The EU continued to discuss and work on the implementation of the concept in EU instruments and policies.

84 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 11 May 2011 on the EU as a global actor: its role in multilateral organisations

(P7_TA-PROV(2011)0229). 85 The EU reasserted its commitment to contribute to the objectives of the United Nations in crisis management and remained

engaged in a discussion on how to enhance EU support to UN peacekeeping operations.


The EU continued its support to the ongoing review of UN peacekeeping in line with the provisions of the New Horizon initiative, and supported the particular focus put on the protection of civilians.

The EU also promoted the reform of the UN System. It remained committed to ensuring that UN financial resources are managed efficiently and effectively, according to the principles of budgetary discipline and coherence and in conformity with the highest international standards.

Throughout 2011, as a key priority, the EU has worked towards the establishment of a new methodology for scale of assessments, reflecting a fairer and more balanced distribution of the financial responsibilities among Member States according to their capacity to pay. 2. OSCE86

Throughout 2011, the EU supported the efforts of the OSCE on various regional and thematic

issues. The EU attached particular importance to strengthening the OSCE across the conflict

cycle (from early warning to post-conflict rehabilitation), including through the work of the High

Commissioner on National Minorities and OSCE field missions. The EU also attached great

importance to progress in the OSCE’s Human Dimension, including the OSCE Office for

Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Representative on Freedom of the Media.

Cooperation with the OSCE was developed further in the areas of media freedom, human rights,

border management and security and drug control.

The EU continues to value highly the role of the autonomous OSCE institutions in monitoring

the implementation of commitments by the participating OSCE states and assisting them in

improving their record in this respect. This includes election observation throughout the OSCE

area.

86 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on strengthening the OSCE: a role for the EU on 11 November 2010 (P7_TA-

PROV(2010)0399).


The EU continued to contribute actively to the dialogue on the future of European security, and

the OSCE’s work on strengthening and modernising arms control and confidence and security

building measures. An active approach by the EU in the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation

allowed the adoption of the Vienna Document 2011 on confidence and security building

measures. The EU supported an increased focus of the OSCE on the issue of countering

transnational threats such as the fight against international terrorism, cyber security, trafficking

in arms and human beings and non-proliferation of WMDs. In this context the EU welcomed the

creation of a new Department on Addressing Transnational Threats in the OSCE Secretariat.

However, despite serious EU efforts it did not prove possible to achieve progress in all three

dimensions of the OSCE and the EU expressed deep concern at the lack of progress in the human

dimension during the Vilnius Ministerial Council of December 2011.

3. COUNCIL OF EUROPE

The EU pursued its cooperation with the Council of Europe (CoE) in line with the Memorandum of

Understanding between the two organisations, notably in the ENP area and the Western Balkans, on

democracy, rule of law and human rights. It enjoyed in particular good cooperation with the CoE on

justice and home affairs issues. 2010 cooperation prospects were formalised in 2011 by signing

with the Council of Europe a €4.8 million Joint Programme to strengthen democratic reform in the

Southern Mediterranean countries. The two organisations also agreed to enhance their cooperation

in Central Asia, with focus on the rule of law. The EU pursued negotiations for its accession to the

European Convention of Human Rights, concluding work at informal 7+7 working group level in

July 2011 with a draft Accession Agreement, which was later on transmitted for further discussion

and negotiation to working parties of both organisations.


D. PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW

The EU’s work on human rights, democracy and the rule of law was reinforced by the fact that

2011 was the first full year of operation of the EEAS. The commitment of the High Representative

to this set of issues was reflected in a Joint Communication from the High Representative and the

European Commission, adopted on 12 December 2011, entitled 'Human rights and democracy at the

heart of EU external action - towards a more effective approach'. This set out a number of ideas for

carrying forward EU strategy in this field.

The Arab Spring represented a landmark in the first year of the EEAS, an event that offered new

opportunities for cooperation at regional and sub-regional level. The EU understood the historic

significance of the changes unfolding in the Southern Neighbourhood and expressed its

determination to ensure timely and adequate EU support to those striving for democracy and free

and open societies. In a spirit of mutual accountability, the EU encouraged its partners to continue

their efforts to build deep democracy, in particular by strengthening the freedoms of expression,

association and assembly, building strong democratic institutions and by promoting women's rights

and gender equality. An efficient and independent judiciary, sustained efforts to tackle corruption

and reform of the security sector are also essential to build a sustainable democracy.

The Arab Spring also showed the importance of social networks and the internet for promoting

reform and advocating of human rights. The EU repeatedly condemned restrictions to access to

Internet, as well as the arrest of bloggers. It did so in the framework of its bilateral relations with

third countries as well as in multilateral forums. In December 2011 it launched the "No Disconnect

Strategy" to develop tools which would allow the EU to assist civil society organisations or

individual citizens to gain access to electronic communications technologies, including the internet.


The abolition of death penalty worldwide continued to be at the heart of EU's Human Rights

policy. On the basis of the EU guidelines on the Death Penalty, the EU has used all tools available.

The issue of death penalty was systematically raised in numerous EU dialogues and consultations

that the EU holds with third countries. The EU, including the High Representative have welcomed

all positive trends worldwide: They issued public statements and declarations welcoming the fact

that in 2011 the US State of Illinois decided to abolish the death penalty, followed by the State of

Connecticut in 2012, while other countries, such as Ethiopia in 2011, took steps towards upholding

a moratorium. On the other hand, the EU carried out general demarches in countries where the

situation was in a flux and individual demarches when there was clear and substantiated breach of

international minimum standards, such as executions of minors, persons suffering from mental

illness, stoning sentences and cases in violation of the most serious crimes principle. In this context,

the EU, including the High Representative have issued statements/declarations or carried out

demarches expressing concern about executions in Iran, Iraq, the US, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia

and Belarus. Regarding Belarus, the High Representative strongly condemned in July 2011 the

reported execution of Mr Hyrshkawtsow and Mr Burdyka, and in December 2011 she regretted the

sentencing to death by the Supreme Court of Mr Kanavalaw and Mr Kavalyow. On both occasions

she called on Belarus to join a global moratorium on the death penalty. In February 2011, China

adopted amendments to the Criminal Code which reduced the number of crimes punishable by

death. Nevertheless, fifty-five offences continue to carry the death penalty.


In 2011, the EU firmly responded to the increasing number of acts of religious intolerance and

discrimination87 across the world. The February Foreign Affairs Council adopted conclusions

reiterating the EU’s serious concern and condemnation of any intolerance, discrimination or

violence 88. The EU Annual Human Rights Report released in September 2011 addressed Freedom

of Religion or Belief (FORB) in depth. The EU worked hard at the UN to consolidate the

consensus on the need to fight religious intolerance and protect freedom of religion or belief.

2011 saw good progress in this respect with consensus reached for the first time in Geneva and New

York on resolutions on FORB and the fight against religious intolerance respectively, tabled by the

EU and the Organisation of Islamic Coordination (OIC).

The EU continued to play a prominent role in the UN Human Rights system in 2011 89. In

February 2011, the EU was instrumental in convening a UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Special

Session on Libya, where the historic recommendation of Libya's suspension from the HRC was

made. The EU raised the human rights situation in Syria in the UN Human Rights Council and in

the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly several times during 2011, building an alliance

of countries from all regions, including the Arab world. The EU was instrumental in establishing

the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in Syria. In June 2011, the

EU secured the adoption of a HRC resolution on the human rights situation in Belarus. The EU

also continued to promote resolutions on Burma/Myanmar and the DPRK, both in the Human

Rights Council and in the General Assembly.

87 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 20 January 2011 on the situation of Christians in the context of freedom of

religion (P7_TA(2011)0021). 88 Key messages on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB) were sent to EU Delegations in February 2011 with the mandate to

follow closely the situation in their host countries, in coordination with EU MS Embassies. 89 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 10 March 2011 on the priorities of the 16th Session of the UN Human Rights

Council and the 2011 review (P7_TA(2011)0097).


In March 2011, fifteen EU Member States were part of the group which prepared the statement on

‘ending acts of violence and other human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender

identity’, agreed by 85 countries at the UN Human Rights Council. The EU also welcomed

the landmark resolution on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity 90, supported by

states from all regions and authored by South Africa, which was adopted by the Human

Rights Council in June 2011.

The EU participated actively in the first session in May 2011 of the Working Group of the UN

Human Rights Council on a possible international regulatory framework for private military and

security companies (PMSCs). The EU strongly maintained that PMSCs should be held accountable

for possible human rights violations wherever they may conduct their operations.

In cooperation with the group of Latin American countries, the EU succeeded in prolonging the

mandate of the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on children and armed conflict at

the UN General Assembly91.

90 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 28 September 2011 on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity at

the United Nations (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0427) 91 The EU also updated the list of priority countries for the implementation of the EU Guidelines on children and armed conflict in

accordance with the UN list.


The EU strongly supported the endorsement of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and

Human Rights by the Human Rights Council in June 2011. The UN Guiding Principles were also

incorporated into the EU's own policy framework on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 92.

The EU maintained its strong support for the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes 93.

As pledged at the 2010 Kampala Review Conference, the EU updated its Common Position

2003/444/CFSP by Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP, adopted in March 2011 94. In 2011 the EU

worked continuously for the widest possible ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the

Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. This work progressed in 2012. In 2012 the EU

signed three bilateral agreements which included ICC clauses; it initialed another three; and began

negotiations on a further fifteen. The EU also included ICC clauses in many of its ENP

Action Plans

In autumn 2011, the EU launched a review of its Guidelines on Promotion and Protection of the

Rights of the Child to adapt them to new international developments as well as to a locally driven

definition of human rights priorities. In winter 2011, the EU launched a thematic lobbying

campaign (demarches) in support of the UN global campaign on the ratification of the two Optional

Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The EU will continue to promote the

ratification of these instruments, as well as the ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child

labour, at local level, through political dialogue and other awareness raising activities.

92 The Communication “A renewed EU strategy for CSR” and the Communication "Human Rights and Democracy at the Hear of EU

External Action" of 2011 recognises the UN Guiding Principles as a set of international standards on business and human rights that all European companies should respect. Both documents also propose concrete actions for implementing the UN Guiding Principles. The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 8 June 2011 on the external dimension of social policy, promoting labour and social standards and European corporate social responsibility (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0260).

93 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 17 November 2011 on the EU support for the ICC: facing challenges and overcoming difficulties (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0507)

94 The objective of the new Council Decision is to advance universal support for the Rome Statute by promoting the widest possible participation in it, to preserve the integrity of the Statute, to support the independence of the Court and its effective and efficient functioning, to support cooperation with the Court and to support the implementation of the principle of complementarity.


In 2011, internal progress was made in light of the EU's commitment towards the situation of

women in relation to peace and security. The ‘Report on the EU indicators for the

Comprehensive Approach to the EU implementation of UNSCRs 1325 & 1820 on Women, Peace

and Security’ was adopted by the Council in May 2011. The next report is due in 2013.

The European Union continued its policy to insert a human rights clause in all political framework

agreements, such as Association Agreements and Partnership and Cooperation Agreements,

concluded with third countries 95. No new agreements containing a human rights clause were signed

or came into force in 2011, however. The EU held over 40 bilateral human rights dialogues with

third countries providing many opportunities to address effectively the EU’s human rights concerns.

The EU launched the development of EU Human Rights country strategies for almost 160

countries worldwide, 130 being developed in 2011 96. On 8-9 December 2011, the EEAS, in close

cooperation with NGO partners, held the 13th Annual EU NGO Human Rights Forum with two

themes: “Boosting the implementation of the EU Guidelines on International Humanitarian Law”

and the “EU Human Rights Review and new Multi-Annual Financial Framework - from

recommendations to action”. The results of the Forum will be carefully considered by the EEAS

and the Council working groups.

95 The human rights clause provides that human rights as, i.a. set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights inspire the

internal and external policies of the parties and constitute an essential element of the agreement. 96 The key objectives pursued through this approach are: (i) to obtain a better and more comprehensive understanding of the key

human rights challenges in partner countries; (ii) to focus EU action on key priorities in partner countries, both in policy terms and financial assistance terms, so that we can better tailor our approach to country situations and therefore be more effective, as requested by the HR; (iii) to facilitate and streamline relevant activities of Member States and EU diplomatic missions in the field; and to (iv) contribute in a more comprehensive, pertinent manner to the various country and regional strategies.


The Joint ENP Communication “A New Response to a Changing Neighbourhood” included a

proposal to create a European Endowment for Democracy (EED). The objective was to set up

EED as an autonomous body with legal personality under the law of one Member State, with the

mission of complementing the existing EU instruments, notably the European Instrument for

Human Rights and Democracy. The EED would have an initial, although not exclusive, focus on

the European Neighbourhood and it would be a new means to facilitate European support to

political actors in democratic transitions or in peaceful struggles for democracy.

The EU continued to play a key role in supporting countries in transition to democracy towards the

world. In 2011, the EU deployed 10 Electoral Observation Missions (EOMs). Five EOMs

accompanied and gave additional credibility to major changes (regime change in Tunisia, creation

of a new country in South Sudan, transition from a military regime to a civilian regime in Niger,

long-awaited shift to the political opposition in Peru and Zambia), three EOMs accompanied a

relatively smooth re-election of incumbent authorities (Nigeria, Chad and Uganda), while two

EOMs were held in very challenging electoral contexts (Nicaragua and the DRC). The EU also

deployed Election Expert Missions (EEM) to Benin, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Guatemala,

Thailand, the Central African Republic and Gambia.

In 2011, the EU continued to raise issues related to the rule of law in particular in its human rights

dialogues with European Neighbourhood Policy countries, focusing on the reform of the judicial

system: the need to strengthen judicial independence (notably through the establishment of National

Councils of the Judiciary), to improve the impartiality and efficiency of the judicial system and to

ensure accountability of law-enforcement officials. In this context, the EU paid particular attention

to the role and functioning of the defence counsel, and has urged countries to respect the

independence of the Bar and expressed concerns over reports of harassment of lawyers.


The EU has discussed the issue of the functioning of the Supreme Judicial Council with Morocco

and the establishment of a Commission to review the functioning of the judicial system with

Algeria. The EU is implementing a project to the value of € 20 million concerning the functioning

of the judicial system in Tunisia.

The EU has also raised issues relating to the fair administration of criminal justice, such as

abnormally low acquittal rates and excessive use of plea bargaining. The EU put in place substantial

technical assistance projects to support judicial reform in a number of ENP countries. The EU also

undertook trial monitoring in several countries. The EU has also addressed issues concerning the

functioning of the prison system, including the use of measures of administrative detention.

In 2011, the EU continued to confirm and enhance its engagement to reinforce the rule of law

through its CSDP missions, including in particular EULEX Kosovo, EUPOL Afghanistan, EUJUST

Lex Iraq and EUPOL COPPS ( oPT ). In Kosovo, the mission aims to assist and support the Kosovo

authorities in the rule of law area, with a specific focus on the judiciary. It also exercises executive

authority in areas such as war crimes, organised crime and corruption.

In 2011, EUPOL Afghanistan has made substantive progress in the implementation of its three Rule

of Law strategic objectives - combating corruption in the Afghan Police, enhancing police-justice

cooperation, strengthening human rights structures related to the Ministry of Interior. The Mission

mentors and trains Afghan officials as well as supports the establishment of structures to make the

work sustainable. In 2011, the Mission supported the Afghan Independent Human Rights

Commission in the establishment of a Police Ombudsman and hosted a Women's Day Conference

with the participation of six Afghan Ministries, numerous government institutions as well as local

and international organisations. The Mission also continued its progressive work in supporting the

Attorney General's Office and the Ministry of Interior in improving their cooperation and in

fighting corruption.


In the occupied Palestinian Territory, EUPOL COPPS was supporting the development of a

comprehensive strategy for the Palestinian Criminal Justice Sector in close coordination with

Palestinian partners and existing coordination mechanisms. EUPOL COPPS advises on and

supports the functioning of the Palestinian Criminal Justice Sector through its work with the

Palestinian Civilian Police (PCP), the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General's Offices, the

Courts, the High Judicial Council, the Bar Association, the Penitentiary System and Civil Society.

EUJUST LEX Iraq is the EU's first integrated Rule of Law mission. After the shift to Iraq in 2011

and despite a challenging security environment, delivery can be considered satisfactory with

projects involving all branches of the Iraqi criminal justice system ongoing in all three locations

(Baghdad, Basra and Erbil). By providing specialised courses to high and mid- level Iraqi officials

from the criminal justice system, EUJUST LEX Iraq continues to strengthen the rule of law and to

promote a culture of respect for human rights in Iraq.

In total, the CSDP missions have 450 people working in the Rule of Law sector (justice,

border, penitentiary, human rights).


E. CRISIS RESPONSE

In the light of the experience in Haiti in 2010 and as the Arab spring evolved, the EEAS has set up a

Crisis Response System (CRS), aiming at the immediate mobilisation of EU resources to deal with

the consequences of crises caused by political or armed conflict, technological incidents or man-

made and natural disasters and at facilitating the political decision making vis-à-vis a given crisis

situation and ensuring the coordination of the implementation of EEAS activities, internally and

with other actors. The EEAS CRS consists of organisational and standard procedures for effective

action in the context of the Union's response to crises.

The main crisis response tools are:

The Crisis Management Board

Chaired by the HR or by the Executive Secretary General (ESG), the Crisis Management Board was

established as the permanent entity addressing horizontal aspect of EEAS crisis response. It meets

on a regular basis to ensure coordination of EU measures related to crisis prevention, preparedness

and response capabilities in crises.

The Crisis Platform

This facilitates information-sharing amongst participants - the relevant EEAS services as well as

relevant Commission services and General Secretariat of the Council services - and provides the

EEAS services with a clear political or strategic objective for the management of a given crisis.


During the peak of the Crisis in Libya, for example, the Libya Crisis Platform was convened 14

times. These meetings, and the reports that followed them, helped to keep information and

management decisions flowing among the different departments dealing with the crisis. The

platform dealt with political issues, the military situation, humanitarian concerns and security.

The EU Situation Room

Inaugurated in July 2011, the EU Situation Room is the renewed and sole 24/7 capability within the

EU system and acts as an information hub for EEAS and Commission, channelling crisis related

information from all sources (open sources, EU delegations, Member States, EU CSDP Operations

and Missions, EUSR teams, and International Organisations) to the decision makers. It ensures

accurate and up-to-date information as regards the political and security situation across the world.

It provides situation awareness and early warning to the Crisis Platform, and complements the

analytical work of the INTCEN. The main task of the "EU Situation Room" is to streamline the

flow of real time information relating to the crises. It combines military and civilian structures in

single entity, thus providing enhanced support and faster information flow than the previous

separated structures (this is especially important for CSDP missions and EU Delegations in third

countries during crises).

The EU Situation Room delivers worldwide political monitoring reports and press reviews two

times a day (so more than 700 have been produced from each category in 2011). On top of the

regular tasks, ad-hoc reports are produced on certain topics of political interest relating to summits

and visits of the HR in third countries.


Crisis Response exploratory and inter-service missions

Exploratory missions are launched by the EEAS at short notice at the request of the High

Representative or the ESG. The purpose of these missions is to quickly assess the situation on the

ground, establish contacts with local interlocutors and help plan further EU action. These missions

provide the EEAS with a rapid reaction capability for external crises. The Crisis Response

Department is responsible for launching exploratory missions, and is able to launch a mission

within 24 hours. During 2011 the EEAS sent 5 exploratory missions to Libya, starting in March,

immediately after the revolution. These missions provided valuable information that helped

identified priorities for EU support.

Inter-service missions bring together expertise from different services. They can be deployed in 3-4

days. The purpose of inter-service missions is to provide detailed analysis and support planning for

further EU action. Teams are composed of EEAS and Commission staff that can set up quick-

impact projects and support rapid (re)programming for the crisis area. In 2011 the EEAS sent two

inter-service missions to Libya and one to Ivory Coast.

Roster of Crisis Response Experts

The EEAS has established a roster of internal Crisis Response experts that are being trained on

Crisis Response procedures and are deployable to any crisis around the world.

The Conflict Prevention Group

In close cooperation with the INTCEN, the Conflict Prevention Group aims at gathering and

reviewing on continuous basis early warning information on countries and regions at potential risk

of conflicts and crisis. It identifies early response/early action options for the CMB or, as

appropriate, the CP. The CPG ensures the necessary linkages and synergies with non-crisis related

EU short, medium and long-term instruments and actions that relate to conflict prevention and

peace building.


Since its launch in October 2011 it has met four times. So far the CPG has contributed to the

development of systems and tools that can help to bridge the gap between early warning and early

action. It has furthermore discussed ways of mainstreaming conflict prevention into EU external

action, and it has agreed draft guidelines for conflict sensitive approaches, which shall also be

applicable to the new programming cycle for external aid.

EEAS Crisis response to Libya

The crisis in Libya erupted in February 2011, barely a few weeks into the existence of the EEAS.

The crisis in Libya tested EEAS crisis response mechanisms as they were being put into place.

Guided by the Crisis Platform and the first-hand information obtained by quick exploratory

missions, the EEAS was able to react to the crisis in a coherent and effective way, i.a. by the quick

opening of an EU office in Benghazi and consequently of an EU Delegation in Tripoli and the

initiation of a series programmes to support the democratic transition.


F. MORE EFFECTIVE, CAPABLE AND COHERENT CRISIS MANAGEMENT

THROUGH CSDP

In 2011, the High Representative chaired two sessions of the Foreign Affairs Council in Defence

Ministers' formation. At the session on 23 May 2011, Defence Ministers reviewed developments in

the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and took stock of progress on following up the

December 2010 and January 2011 Council Conclusions on CSDP. They also discussed the state of

play concerning the EU's military CSDP operations and considered the way forward. These

operations include Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EUNAVFOR Atalanta counter-piracy

operation off the coast of Somalia, and the EU Training Mission for Somali forces. The Council

adopted Conclusions on pooling and sharing of military capabilities, calling for a structured and

long-term approach based on a high level of ambition, in a wide array of capability areas, and

leading to concrete results.

At July Foreign Affairs Council, the High Representative presented her comprehensive civilian-

military report on CSDP and led a discussion on initiatives in the area of CSDP. The report

addressed military capabilities (pooling & sharing); permanent structured cooperation; civilian

capabilities; civil-military synergies in capability development; improving EU crisis management

performance (civil and military planning and conduct capability, EU Battlegroups); and cooperation

with partners (NATO, UN, third countries).


The High Representative also chaired the 30 November session of Defence Ministers, which

reviewed developments and adopted conclusions on CSDP. Ministers also discussed the state of

play concerning the EU's military CSDP operations and considered the way forward. The HR

updated ministers on her efforts to strengthen EU-NATO cooperation in crisis management in line

with the mandate of the European Council of September 2010, on EU-UN cooperation, and on her

contacts with strategic partners with regard to CSDP. The Council also established the 2012 budget

for the European Defence Agency.

In December the Council adopted a set of ambitious and forward looking conclusions on CSDP.

The Council reiterated the continuing need for a comprehensive approach that increasingly

mobilises the different tools at the EU’s disposal as part of a coherent and effective strategy to

achieve the EU’s objectives and underlined the importance of CSDP as an essential element for

such a comprehensive approach.

The Council welcomed the work carried out by the High Representative and the EEAS in line with

the Council Conclusions on CSDP of January 2011 and March 2011, and following the Weimar

initiative joined by Italy and Spain, the High Representative's report on CSDP of 11 July 2011 and

subsequent contributions by Member States. The Council also welcomed the existing bilateral and

multilateral initiatives among Member States, such as the ongoing cooperation between France and

the UK as well as numerous other ongoing and emerging regional initiatives, which through

innovative methods of pooling and sharing contribute to improving overall military capabilities.


The Conclusions cover the various dimensions of CSDP. The Council inter alia:

- underlined its full commitment to maintain the current engagement to the ongoing CSDP

missions and operations, while also taking forward work on potential new missions in the

Horn of Africa, the Sahel, Sudan and Libya Council;

- emphasized the importance of further civilian and military capability development for CSDP

as a key objective to respond both to existing gaps and growing needs in the field;

- called for improving the EU’s performance in planning and conducting missions and

operations, including through enabling earlier and more effective advanced planning and a

review of the procedures for EU crisis management. The Council agreed to accelerate

planning for the activation of the Operations Centre for the Horn of Africa operations;

- Underlined the importance of partnerships with NATO and the UN and the valuable

practical contributions and political support to CSDP missions and operations offered by

partner countries. The Council called for further development in CSDP cooperation with

Eastern and Mediterranean partners on a case-by-case basis.

The High Representative outlined the progress on CSDP in a speech to Parliament on 13 December.

1. MORE CAPABLE

1.1. CIVILIAN AND MILITARY CAPABILITIES97

Efforts continued to address shortfalls in civilian CSDP capabilities and to improve performance

through training, lessons learnt and better equipment supply.

97 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 11 May 2011 on the development of the common security and defence policy

following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0228)


In July 2011, a high- level seminar on facilitating the deployment of civilian personnel to CSDP

missions was held, bringing together national stakeholders.

Following the December 2011 Council Conclusions, the PSC endorsed a multi-annual work

programme for civilian capability development presented by the EEAS 98.

Based on the Council Decision of December 2010, the work on military capabilities continued

throughout 2011, focusing on responding both to existing gaps in Member States’ capabilities and

the growing needs in the field of CSDP operations (see also pooling and sharing).

Progress was made in general EU military planning (“concepts”), i.a. on air operations in support of

CSDP (Deployable Air Power), EU military lessons learnt, Logistics support and Personnel

recovery.

1.2. POOLING AND SHARING OF MILITARY CAPABILITIES

Throughout the year the Council stressed the necessity to strengthen European cooperation in the

area of military capability development for sustaining and enhancing CSDP to improve operational

effectiveness in the context of constrained defence budgets 99.

98 EEAS is currently elaborating this work programme and will present it in 2012. 99 The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 14 December 2011 on the impact of the financial crisis on the defence sector in

the EU Member States (P7_TA-PROV(2011)0574).


On 30 November at the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA) Member States

endorsed pooling and sharing opportunities and announced a number of commitments in specific

concrete projects facilitated by the Agency. The commitments are in the fields of: Air to Air

Refuelling; Smart Munitions; Aircrew Training; Naval Training and Logistics; European Transport

Hubs; Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance including Space Situational Awareness;

Medical Support; Military Satellite Communications as well as the development of other pooling

projects on the basis of existing initiatives, such as: maritime surveillance, Helicopter Training and

Satellite Communication.

1.3. LESSONS LEARNED AND BEST PRACTICES IN CIVILIAN CSDP

The December 2011 Council Conclusions on CSDP called for a continuous improvement of

missions through evaluation, benchmarking, impact assessment, lessons and best practices.

In 2011, progress was made in bringing together civilian and military lessons learned and best

practices from CSDP operations. A shared civilian and military lessons and best practices database

in CSDP is being set up and is expected to become operational April 2012 100.

100 In the context of developing a new EU concept for rapid deployment in CSDP, a thematic lessons report on substitution/executive-

type police missions was completed, drawing on the experience of the Commission-funded project EU Police Force Training (EUPFT) 2008-2010.


1.4. TRAINING AND EXERCISES

Significant efforts continued in 2011 to meet the overall objectives with regard to CSDP training, in

order to provide Member States and the EU institutions with knowledgeable personnel (diplomatic,

military and civilian - including police and other rule of law sectors) able to work on all CSDP

matters and to deploy to CSDP missions and operations101.

2. MORE EFFECTIVE

2.1. COOPERATION WITH PARTNERS IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

In line with the December 2010 Council Conclusions, work was pursued with third countries and

with other international organisations, to reinforce capabilities and to facilitate engagement with the

EU crisis management missions and operations.

101 MILEX 11 took place from 16 to 27 May 2011, with DG EUMS as the Official Conducting the Exercise (OCE). The aim of

MILEX 11 was to exercise and evaluate military aspects of EU crisis management at the military strategic and especially at the operational level, based on a scenario for an envisaged EU-led military operation without recourse to NATO common assets and capabilities. All exercise objectives were fully achieved. The EU Crisis Management Exercise (CME 11) took place from 18 November 2011 to 6 December 2011. Based on the new “comprehensive approach” to crisis response, the aim of the exercise was to evaluate and improve the EU’s capacity to manage crises, including EU and EEAS decision making and planning processes, in a rapidly changing environment. It employed both civilian and military instruments, and their coordination within the EU at different levels. The involvement in the exercise of 5 EU delegations as well as the implementation of the new EEAS internal crisis response procedures are among the most important novelties introduced in this crisis management exercise as a result of the Treaty of Lisbon.


2.1.1. EU-UN COOPERATION

A particular effort was started in 2011 to enhance EU’s ability to support UN peacekeeping, in

response to many UN appeals at political level. The EEAS, with the active involvement of the UN

Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), the Department of Field Support (DFS) and the

Department of Political Affairs (DPA), defined a number of practical actions to that purpose. The

implementation of those actions will start in 2012, as soon as technical modalities are agreed. Once

the actions are implemented, cooperation with the UN in crisis management/ peacekeeping

operations and activities will be significantly facilitated both with regard to military operations and

civilian missions.

At the end of 2011, the EU and UN jointly agreed to revitalise the UN-EU Steering Committee on

Crisis Management, which had been suspended in 2010 pending the EU post-Lisbon restructuring

and to lay the foundations for an increased EU-UN cooperation in the area of civilian capabilities

development.

2.1.2. EU-NATO

In 2011, the solid EU-NATO cooperation in the context of the "Berlin Plus" arrangements for the

CSDP operation EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina was continued.

The concrete proposals made by the High Representative in February for a pragmatic step-by-step

approach and implementing the mandate of the European Council of September 2010 were

welcomed by the Council.


Several of these proposals were successfully implemented in 2011:

- Staff-to-staff contacts were actively pursued, with a view to enhancing mutual awareness of

each others’ activities and to achieve progress in further strengthening cooperation in theatres

where both organisations are deployed. The Council was kept regularly informed of the main

developments (notably in the area of cyber security).

- The first reciprocal briefings to the Defence Policy and Planning Committee and the Politico-

Military Group were initiated in December 2011.

The Council also called on the High Representative to pursue efforts to further develop efficient and

effective cooperation with NATO, in particular in the areas where both operate side by side.

Close cooperation was developed between the EU and NATO staffs on Pooling and Sharing and

Smart Defence/Multinational Approaches initiatives in order to ensure coherence, mutual

reinforcement and non-duplication. In this context, the Council encouraged the continuation of

close staff-to-staff contacts.

EU and NATO staffs jointly proposed ways ahead for enhancing practical cooperation in the area of

CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear) defence, the outcome of which will be

available to all Member States. The proposals were supported by the Member States.


In the framework of the EU-NATO Capability Group, exchanges of information also took place in a

number of areas of common interest where requirements overlap - including medical support,

Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) and CBRN.

As stated in previous reports, the participation of all 27 EU Member States would further facilitate

the exchange of information in the field of military capabilities.

2.1.3. EU-AU

The EU and the African Union (AU) continued their political dialogue and dialogue on security

matters including through the regular meetings between the EU and the AU Peace and Security

Committees. Financial support (€40 million) was again made available to support the African

efforts to build the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). The EU responded favourably

to demands by the AU to provide support in the area of training through African Training Centres,

as an essential element of the APSA. The African Peace Facility continued to finance two African

Peace support Operations: AMISOM in Somalia and MICOPAX in the Central African Republic.

The EU welcomed the successful conclusion of the first strategic training cycle for the African

Stand By Forces (Amani).


COOPERATION WITH PARTNER COUNTRIES

Efforts were intensified to further pursue substantial dialogue and cooperation with third countries,

including strategic partners, and to develop relations with new partners. The EU pursued its

dialogue with the non-EU European NATO members, other countries which are candidates for

accession to the EU, as well as with several other important partners, including the US, Canada,

China, Japan, Russia and Ukraine. The possibility to engage further with the neighbours to the East

and the South were addressed by the Council; this work will be taken forward on a case-by-case

basis, in view of contributing to enhancing regional security and stability.

Twelve countries (Albania, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the US) participate in seven of

the ongoing CSDP missions and operations (EUFOR ALTHEA, EULEX Kosovo, EUPM BiH,

EUPOL COPPS, EUPOL Afghanistan, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, EUSEC RD Congo). At the

end of 2011, the offer from Serbia to contribute to EUTM Somalia and to EUTM ATALANTA was

accepted by the EU. Fruitful interaction with several other partners continued in the context of anti-

piracy activities.

Further to the Council decision of 26 April 2010, authorising the High Representative to open

negotiations with twenty additional countries, agreements in order to establish a framework for their

participation in EU crisis management operations ("Framework Participation Agreements") have

been negotiated and concluded with Montenegro, Serbia and the US. Negotiations were ongoing

with a wide range of partners in view of reaching similar agreements (Albania, New Zealand, BiH,

former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Russia)


2.2. EU Satellite Centre (EUSC)

The year 2011 confirmed the trend of an increasing involvement of the EUSC in support of EU

operations and missions and for the EEAS decision making process, hence the corresponding

increase in tasks to the centre. A peak of activity occurred with the emergence of new crisis areas in

North Africa and the Middle East. In total the EUSC worked on 119 new tasks and 464 locations of

interest were analysed. The EUSC, in providing analysis of satellite imagery, is playing an

increasingly strong role in supporting the decision-making process in CSDP.

More specifically:

- The monitoring of the crisis in Libya (as well as Tunisia and Egypt) constituted the greatest single

workload for the Centre. Following the operational direction of the HR and the PSC approval, all

EUSC products were also released to NATO/SHAPE within the framework of the operation Unified

Protector in Libya.

- Support was continued to the Operational Headquarters in Northwood (UK), in the framework of

EUNAVFOR Atlanta. It included the delivery of GEOINT (GEOspatial INTelligence) products on

pirate activity responding to operational needs of the naval vessels deployed offshore the Somali

coasts. The EUSC also provided an in-situ support through a seconded imagery analyst.


- EUMM Georgia has been a major user of EUSC products. Tasks carried out by the EUSC

included analysis of imagery to report on important infrastructures and activities in the region.

- Significant results in the production of GEOINT support were achieved with the continuing

monitoring of the possible proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and development nuclear

technology in several countries. In this context, the centre analysed suspected facilities in countries

where ballistics missiles and test and launch facilities are possibly being developed. However, this

work was impacted, with unknown consequences, by the demands associated with crisis

monitoring.

3. MORE COHERENT

Turning the comprehensive approach into comprehensive action remains a key priority for the EU,

with CSDP instruments part of the EU's toolbox, in support of wider EU political objectives,

including the need to address the root causes of a conflict. The High Representative has a special

role as the chair of the different formats of the Foreign Affairs Council to enhance coherence of the

EU’s foreign policy.

Working towards more coherence and synergies between conflict prevention, crisis response and

management, development and conflict resolution remains crucial key to that effect.


As part of a broader effort in developing synergies between the internal and external dimensions of

security, work was taken forward on strengthening ties between CSDP and the area of Freedom,

Security and Justice 102.

In addition, work was initiated on the implementation of the Solidarity Clause.

Work on promoting civil-military synergies in EU capability development was also taken forward.

PART II: LOOKING AHEAD AT 2012

At the outset of her mandate the High Representative set three priorities for the EU's common

foreign policy: first, establishing the European External Action Service; second, promoting

democracy, stability and prosperity with Europe's neighbours; and third, building strong strategic

partnerships with existing and emerging global players. These three priorities will continue to guide

EU action in 2012-13, with the aim of ensuring the consistency and coherence of EU foreign policy,

as set out in the Lisbon Treaty.

This work will build on the achievements of EU foreign policy in the first year of the EEAS. The

EU will continue to work with its partners to address regional and global challenges, promoting EU

interests and values to help to deliver a more secure and prosperous world for its citizens.

102 In this connection, on 13 May 2011, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) noted the Joint Staff Working Paper on

"Strengthening Ties between CSDP and FSJ Actors - Proposals for a Way ahead”, exploring the linkages between CSDP and Freedom, Security and Justice actors. Subsequently, a draft Road Map has been established to take work forward. The document identified 27 lines of action with a view to yield concrete outcomes to enhance cooperation between these areas. Member States were invited to actively participate in the process of developing the lines of action. A report on progress achieved will be presented to the relevant decision-making bodies mid-July 2012


Supporting democratic change in the neighbourhood, especially in the Middle East and North

Africa, remains a top priority for the European Union. The process of transition in Tunisia, Egypt,

Libya, Yemen and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa requires our continued

support and focus. The EU will continue and step up its efforts in Syria to bring an end to the

violent repression and promote a genuine democratic transition. We will continue to work closely

with our international partners, in particular the League of Arab States and the United Nations to

deliver this.

The changes across the Arab world have highlighted the urgent need for progress on the Middle

East Peace Process. The goal remains a just and lasting negotiated resolution to the Israeli-

Palestinian conflict, based on a two-state solution. The EU will continue to work actively with the

parties and within the Quartet for the resumption of substantive negotiations.

In the Eastern neighbourhood, continued EU engagement is also critical, including through the

Eastern Partnership. The HR and the EEAS will continue to monitor closely the situation in Ukraine

and Belarus, not least the parliamentary elections to be conducted in 2012 in those countries, as well

as those in Armenia and Georgia, all of which will be essential for the further development of

relations. The conflicts in Transnistria, Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh will remain high on the

EU's agenda.


The EU will continue to play a central role in the Western Balkans where the European

perspective of the countries in the region continues to act as a catalyst for both domestic reform and

regional cooperation. We will continue to work to facilitate dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina

and to support the reform process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EU closely monitored the

outcome of the parliamentary elections in Serbia in May 2012. June 2012 saw the end of the

current mandate of EUPM mission in BiH which should transfer its remaining tasks to the EUSR.

Operation EUFOR Althea will be reconfigured in the course of 2012. EULEX Kosovo will

continue to assist and support the Kosovo authorities in the rule of law area.

In line with the principles set out in the Negotiating Framework, the EU encourages Turkey to

develop its foreign policy as a complement to and in coordination with the EU, and to progressively

align with EU policies and position and looks forward to further strengthening its existing political

dialogue with Turkey, in pursuit of common goals, including in the neighbourhood where Turkey

plays an important role.

Deepening engagement with the EU’s strategic partners 103 also remains a key priority. The overall

aim is to make these partnerships more operational, focusing on specific and current issues, based

on shared interests and values.

Close consultation and cooperation with the US remains a cornerstone of our approach on areas of

common interest such as the Western Balkans, the Southern Neighbourhood and the Asia-Pacific;

and on global issues such as counter-terrorism, climate change, international development and non-

proliferation

103 The Strategic Partners are Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, USA


As both a strategic partner and a neighbour, Russia's cooperation with Europe on regional as

well as global foreign policy issues continues to be important. Working with Russia is central to

solving the protracted conflicts in our common Neighbourhood, as well as in framing an

international response on other issues such as Iran, Syria or the Middle East Peace Process. The EU

will also continue to engage Russia through the Partnership for Modernisation and the Northern

Dimension.

Strengthening and expanding cooperation with China and India, especially on global and regional

challenges including security issues such as anti-piracy, counter-terrorism and cyber security, will

continue to be a focus.

Similarly, the EU will continue to strengthen its cooperation with our partners in Brazil, South

Africa, Japan and South Korea.

The E3+3 negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme aimed at answering the international

communities concerns about the exclusively peaceful nature of the programme will remain a key

priority for EU efforts and attention. Building on the meetings in Istanbul, Baghdad and Moscow,

the HR, acting on behalf of the E3 + 3 group, will remain fully engaged.

Global challenges such as climate change, energy, terrorism and international crime, piracy,

proliferation of WMD, disarmament and threats to cyber-security will also be critical to the EU’s

external affairs agenda.


The EU will work towards implementing the Communication “A New Direction for the EU on

Human Rights and Democracy”, setting out a vision of how the EU and its Member States will

broaden, deepen and streamline their promotion and protection of human rights and democracy

over the coming years. The EU will also continue to pay close attention to the human rights

situation in partner countries as well as to provide support through EU instruments and policies,

including through the “more for more” concept in those countries covered by the European

Neighbourhood Policy.

The EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy will guide the EU’s engagement

in this area in years to come. The appointment of a EUSR on Human Rights, the first thematic

EUSR, will enhance the effectiveness and visibility of the EU’s Human Rights policy. In this work,

the EU will work closely with partners, multilateral forums and international organisations in the

field of human rights and democracy.

The EU will continue to focus on developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The expected

changes in the international military presence will have implications for EUPOL Afghanistan as

well as for our broader cooperation. For Afghanistan, the focus will be on governance, policing and

the rule of law - including through mentoring and training by EUPOL Afghanistan, in the run-up to

2014. As regards Pakistan, the EU will seek to develop a broader relationship with the country's

civilian government and democratic institutions, through the implementation of the 5-year

Engagement Plan.


Supporting the recent positive developments in Burma/Myanmar will be a priority. The EU

together with international partners will give its full support to the on-going transition to

democracy.

As part of its enhanced engagement in Asia, the EU will strengthen its cooperation with ASEAN in

line with the Plan of Action adopted at the EU-ASEAN Ministerial in Brunei.

The consolidation of strategic relations with Africa, building on the Joint Africa-EU Strategy will

continue to be a focus. The development of the EU’s relationship with the African Union will be

central, including to the continued engagement on sub-Saharan African peace and security issues

including non-proliferation and disarmament.

Building relations and supporting positive dynamics with the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Eritrea,

Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda) in line with the November 2011 strategy will

continue to be high on the agenda of the HR and the EEAS. The reinforcement of the judiciary and

maritime sectors in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, through a civilian CSDP mission with military

expertise, are an important component of this. The EU's attention will also remain on Somalia and

the fight against piracy (EUNAVFOR Atalanta) and reinforcing support to the security sector in

Somalia (EUTM Somalia).

The EU is committed to supporting the new independent state of South Sudan in facing its serious

challenges and in consolidating its statehood. In parallel, the EU will enhance its engagement with

the Government of Sudan (Khartoum). The aim is to support the co-existence and economic

development of two peaceful states. Efforts to secure an inclusive, comprehensive political solution

to Darfur will be sustained.


The implementation of the EU Strategy on Security and Development in the Sahel will also be a

priority. The rising instability in Mali and the wider region, including Nigeria, is a cause for

concern. An EU civilian CSDP Action to provide support for improved security coordination,

training and capacity-building will be deployed, initially in Niger. The EU will remain engaged in

finding a lasting solution to the problems of Guinea-Bissau (recent coup d'état). , as well as in

Zimbabwe and other countries where there are threats to stability. Electoral processes and respect

for human rights and the strengthening of human rights institutions will remain priorities.

The EU will continue its efforts to promote peace and democracy in the Great Lakes Region. The

EU will work together with African and international partners, in the region in order to work

towards a comprehensive response to the interlinked problems of the region. Developments in the

region will be kept under close scrutiny.

Relations with Latin America in the context of the upcoming EU-LAC Summit, scheduled to take

place in early 2013 in Chile, are of significant importance. The 2013 Summit, will aim at a

continued strengthening of EU-LAC relationship.

Further action will be taken to combat global and trans-regional threats such as piracy (and other

threats to maritime security), terrorism, threats to cyber-security and other emerging global threats.

The EU is strengthening the fight against organised crime through its Policy Cycle for organised

and serious international crime 2011-13 and corresponding external action, thus reinforcing the link

between internal and external security.


Conflict prevention and peace-building will be mainstreamed throughout the EU’s external

action, further strengthening and integrating the Union’s crisis prevention capabilities, notably in

the fields of early warning and early action. Following the June 2011 Council Conclusions on

conflict prevention, work will be undertaken to strengthen the EU’s mediation capacity, as an

efficient and cost-effective instrument to be used in all phases of the conflict cycle.

Building on the CSDP conclusions of December 2011, the EU intends to renew its focus on the

potential of CSDP missions and operations. Attention will be maintained on the strengthening of

capabilities, both military and civilian. In this context, enhancing the EU's rapid response

capabilities remains a priority. Cost-effective and efficient ways of cooperation will be further

pursued, such as pooling and sharing of capabilities. Work is under way to significantly improve

the EU's performance in planning and conducting CSDP civilian missions and military operations,

inter alia, by better integrating the civilian and military dimensions and to enable earlier and more

effective advanced planning. The High Representative initiated a review of the procedures for EU

crisis management, which date from 2003.

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14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 115 ANNEX I DG C Coord EN

ANNEX I: CFSP Budget - Commitments in 2011

19.030101 Monitoring mission in Georgia €

2011/452/CFSP EUMM Georgia 23,900,000.00

subtotal 23,900,000.00

19.030102 EULEX Kosovo

2010/619/CFSP EULEX Kosovo 87,323,600.00

2011/687/CFSP EULEX Kosovo 0.00

2011/752/CFSP EULEX Kosovo 72,800,000.00

subtotal 160,123,600.00

19.030103 EUPOL Afghanistan

2011/298/CFSP EUPOL Afghanistan 0.00

2011/473/CFSP EUPOL Afghanistan 60,500,000.00

subtotal 60,500,000.00

19.030104 Other crisis management measures and operations

2010/755/CFSP EUPM Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,300,000.00


2010/312/CFSP EUBAM Rafah 1,400,000.00

2011/170/CFSP EUJUST LEX IRAQ 250,000.00

2011/380CFSP EUJUST LEX IRAQ 27,250,000.00

2011/537/CFSP EUPOL DR Congo 7,150,000.00

2011/538/CFSP EUSEC DR Congo 13,600,000.00


2011/858/CFSP EUPOL COPPS 4,750,000.00

2011/857/EUBAM RAFAH 970,000.00

subtotal 69,549,324.00

14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 116 ANNEX I DG C Coord EN

19.0302 Non-proliferation and disarmament

2010/799/CFSP Confidence-building process – WMD free zone Non-proliferation consortium 347,700.00

2011/428/CFSP UNODA activities in support of UN programme of Action on SALW 2,150,000.00

subtotal 2,497,700.00

19.0304 Emergency measures 0.00

19.0305 Preparatory and follow-up measures

Legal services 12,800.00

External audits (5 audit assignments) 119,316.00

Equipment for preparatory measures 74.00

subtotal 132,190.00

19.0306 European Union Special Representatives

2011/119/CFSP EUSR in Kosovo 0.00

2011/203/CFSP EUSR for the Crisis in Georgia 304,000.00

2011/270/CFSP EUSR in Kosovo 690,000.00

2011/424/CFSP EUSR for the Southern Mediterranean 855,000.00

2011/425/CFSP EUSR for Central Asia 924,850.00

2011/426/CFSP EUSR in Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,740,000.00

2011/427/CFSP EUSR in Afghanistan 3,560,000.00

2011/478/CFSP EUSR in Kosovo 0.00

2011/499/CFSP EUSR for the Rep. of Sudan and the Rep. of South Sudan 955,000.00

2011/518/CFSP EUSR for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia 1,758,000.00

2011/621/CFSP EUSR for the African Union 715,000.00

2011/691/CFSP EUSR in Kosovo 770,000.00

2011/819/CFSP EUSR for the Horn of Africa 670,000.00

subtotal 14,941,850.00

Total €331,644,664.00

14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 117 ANNEX II DG C Coord EN

ANNEX II

Overview of sanctions decisions 20111

Afghanistan / Taliban

Council Decision 2011/486/CFSP (OJ L 199, 2.8.2011, p. 57) 2

Council Implementing Decision 2011/639/CFSP (OJ L 257, 1.10.2011, p. 24)


Belarus

Council Decision 2011/69/CFSP (OJ L 28, 2.2.2011, p. 40)






Bosnia and Herzegovina


1 This list concerns CFSP Decisions imposing restrictive measures only. The implementation of the measures falling within the scope

of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union also requires the preparation of a Council Regulation or Council Implementing Regulation as appropriate.

2 This decision also concerns Terrorist Groups / Al Qaida


Democratic Republic Congo



Cote d’Ivoire

Council Decision 2011/17/CFSP (L 11 p.31 15.1.2011)




Council Implementing Decision 2011/230/CFSP (L 97 p.46 12.4.2011)





Egypt


Republic of Guinea (Conakry)




International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)



Council Decision 2011/705/CFSP (OJ L 281, 28.10.2011, p.27)

Iran (WMD-regime)



Iran (human rights regime)


Council Implementing Decision 2011/670 (OJ L 267, 12.10.2011, p. 13)

Iraq


North Korea (Democratic Republic of North Korea)



Libya












Moldova

Council Decision 2011/171/CFSP (OJL 076 , 22.3.2011 p. 62)


Burma / Myanmar





Somalia


South Sudan / Sudan


Syria


Council Implementing Decision 2011/302/CFSP (L 136 p. 91 24.5.2011)










Terrorist groups / Al Qaida

Council Decision 2011/487/CFSP (OJ L 199, 2.8.2011, p. 73) 1

1 This Decision also concerns Afghanistan / Taliban.


Common Position 2001/931/CFSP





Tunisia



Zimbabwe


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14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 123 ANNEX III DG C Coord EN

ANNEX III Declarations and Statements in 2011

A total of 593 statements and declarations were issued in 2011 under four categories:

• HR Declarations on behalf of the EU: these reflect the official position of the EU and are

issued under the HR's authority with prior consultation of the Member States. Where no

such official position exists, these Declarations are agreed by Member States within the

Council. Third countries can align when invited.

• HR Statements : are used to respond immediately to events which require quick reaction,

when the content of the reaction is uncontroversial or follows an agreed line. These

statements are issued under the HR's authority without formal consultation of the MS.

Alignment of third countries is not possible.

• Statements by the Spokesperson of the HR: can be used when the personal involvement

of the HR is not necessarily required. Can be issued very quickly.

• Local EU Statements : used for statements concerning a specific local/regional issue. EU

Heads of Mission present in a country forge a consensus around the text.

The number of declarations /statements by category is as follows:

Category 2011

HR Declarations on behalf of the EU 86

HR Statements 328

Spokesperson’s statements 128

Local statements 51

Total 593


The following is a breakdown of declarations / statements by geographic region.

Region 2011

Africa 18%

Asia 11%

Eastern Europe / Western Balkans 18%

Latin America 3%

North Africa 22%

Middle East / Gulf 20%

Multi-lateral 5%

North America 3%

The breakdown by subject / thematic issues is as follows:

Subject 2011

Human Rights 132

Elections / Reform 84

Conflict / stabilisation processes 158

Security incidents 82

Congratulations / condolences messages 25

Non-proliferation 3

Other (outcomes of high-level meetings / restrictive measures etc.) 109

Total 593


The High Representative also makes joint statements on certain issues with the President of the

European Council, the President of the European Commission or with other members of the

Commission. A total of 36 joint statements were made in 2011.

Presidents Van Rompuy / Barroso 4

Commissioner Fule 23

Commissioner Piebalgs 7

Commissioner Reding 2

Total 36

All declarations and statements are available on the following website

European External Action Service http://eeas.europa.eu/media/index_en.htm

Council of the European Union http://consilium.europa.eu/press?lang=en

Press Room (Rapid) http://europa.eu/newsroom/index_en.htm

__________________

http://eeas.europa.eu/media/index_en.htm

http://consilium.europa.eu/press?lang=en

http://europa.eu/newsroom/index_en.htm

14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 126 ANNEX IV DG C Coord EN

ANNEX IV: Presence of HR/VP Ashton in the European Parliament – 2011 Date Meeting Subject HR/VP Ashton presence Remarks 18/1 EP Election Observation

Group, Strasbourg EU EOMs planning HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present

19/1 Plenary, Strasbourg Freedom of religion/Christians; HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present 19/1 Plenary, Strasbourg Belarus HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present 19/1 Plenary, Strasbourg Sahel region HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present 2/2 Mini-Plenary, Brussels Situation in Tunisia and Egypt HR/VP Ashton Cssr Barnier took part of the

Sudan debate on behalf of HR/VP 2/2 Mini-Plenary, Brussels South Sudan referendum HR/VP Ashton Cssr Barnier took part of the

Sudan debate on behalf of HR/VP 2/3 EP Conference of Presidents

(in camera), Brussels Update on the situation in North Africa HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present

9/3 Plenary, Strasbourg Southern Neighbourhood, and Libya in particular, including humanitarian aspects

HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present

9/3 Plenary, Strasbourg EU's approach towards Iran HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present 9/3 Plenary, Strasbourg 16th session of the Human Rights Council

(Geneva,28/2-25/3) HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present

9/3 Plenary, Strasbourg State of play of the peace process for the Middle East


22/3 AFET, Brussels Exchange of views (incl. FAC debrief) HR/VP Ashton SG Vimont present


11/5 Plenary, Strasbourg Joint debate: - Statement on main aspects and basic choices of CFSP and CSDP (art. 36 TEU) - Situation in Syria, in Camp Ashraf, and the situation of the Coptic Christian community of Egypt - Annual report from the Council CFSP - Development of CSDP following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty - EU as global actor: its role in multilateral organisations report

HR/VP Ashton SG Vimont and DSG Popowski present

5/7 EP Special Committee (under 2002 IIA), Strasbourg (closed meeting)

HR/VP Ashton Oral briefing; DSG Popowski present

5/7 EP President Buzek + Heads of the Delegations to Third States/Regions


6/7 Plenary, Strasbourg Situation in the Arab world and North Africa, Syria and Yemen


6/7 Plenary, Strasbourg EU external policies in favour of Democratisation

HR/VPAshton DSG Popowski present

6/7 Plenary, Strasbourg Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present 6/7 Plenary, Strasbourg Preparations for the Russian State Duma

elections in December HR/VP Ashton DSG Popowski present


4/9 Warsaw COFACC Conference of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairs


27/9 Plenary, Strasbourg Ministerial week's activity at the UN General Assembly, in particular the Middle East peace process and North Africa


27/9 Plenary, Strasbourg Eastern partnership summit (Warsaw, 29 September)


27/9 Plenary, Strasbourg Sexual orientation and gender identity at the UN Human Rights Council


27/9 Plenary, Strasbourg Tensions between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus

HR/VP Ashton Commissioner Füle took most of the debate on behalf of the HR/VP

28/9 Plenary, Strasbourg State of the Union - Statement by EC President Barroso (in the presence of all Commissioners)

HR/VP Ashton present – not in a speaking capacity

12/10 Mini-Plenary, Brussels Situation in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria and Egypt

HR/VP Ashton

12/10 Mini-Plenary, Brussels Current developments in Ukraine HR/VP Ashton 23/11 EUROLAT Parliamentary

Assembly Executive Bureau, Brussels

HR/VP Ashton


12/12 AFET, Strasbourg Exchange of views HR/VP Ashton EEAS SG Vimont, COO O’Sullivan, DSG Popowski present

13/12 Plenary, Strasbourg Joint debate on CSDP (Article 36 TEU) and Lisek report on the Impact of the financial crisis on the defence sector

HR/VP Ashton EEAS SG Vimont, DSG Popowski, MD Marinaki present

13/12 Plenary, Strasbourg Human rights HR/VP Ashton EEAS SG Vimont, DSG Popowski present

13/12 Plenary, Strasbourg EU-Russia summit HR/VP Ashton EEAS SG Vimont, DSG Popowski present

13/12 Plenary, Strasbourg Situation in Syria HR/VP Ashton EEAS SG Vimont, DSG Popowski present

14/12 Plenary, Strasbourg Sakharov Prize 2011 ceremony HR/VP Ashton present – not in a speaking capacity

14/12 EP Special Committee (under 2002 IIA), Strasbourg (closed meeting)

HR/VP Ashton

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14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 130 ANNEX V DG C Coord EN

ANNEX V: Presence of EEAS Corporate Board members, Managing Directors, PSC Chair and EUSRs in the European Parliament – 2011 Date Meeting Subject HR/VP Ashton + EEAS presence Remarks 11/1 EP Maghreb Delegation Situation in Algeria and Tunisia MD Mingarelli 19/1 Informal meetings with

selected MEPs, Strasbourg DSG Popowski

25/1 AFET enlarged bureau (in camera), Brussels

Various (incl. EEAS organigramme) SG Vimont

25/1 AFET, Brussels Report on CFSP Annual report DSG Popowski 26/1 AFET, Brussels Role of EUSRs under the Lisbon Treaty DSG Popowski 26/1 AFET, Brussels Negotiations on EU-Russia Agreement COO O’Sullivan 27/1 BUDG, Brussels EEAS building (debate) COO O’Sullivan 1/2 AFET (in camera), Brussels FAC debriefing SG Vimont with Cssr Füle on behalf of

HR/VP 1/2 AFET (in camera), Brussels Albania MD Lajčák 1/2 SURE (Special Committee

on Policy Challenges and Budgetary Resources for a Sustainable EU after 2013), Brussels

Budgetary resources external relations COO O’Sullivan

7/2 BUDG, Brussels EEAS building (debate and vote) COO O’Sullivan not asked to take the floor 7/2 AFET/DEVE, Brussels Referendum – South Soudan EUSR Marsden


8/2 AFET / EP Maghreb Delegation, Brussels

Democratic awakening of Arab societies – lessons for the EU

MD Mingarelli

9/2 AFET Working Group on the Western Balkans (in camera) , Brussels

Albania, FYROM MD Lajčák

15/2 Plenary, Strasbourg Albania MD Lajčák (no active participation) with Cssr Füle on behalf of HR/VP

15/2 Informal meetings with selected MEPs, Strasbourg

MD Lajčák


Africa MD Westcott

16/2 Plenary, Strasbourg Situation in Egypt SG Vimont (no active participation) with Cssr Füle on behalf of HR/VP

16+17/2 Informal meetings with selected MEPs, Strasbourg

Tunisia/Egypt SG Vimont, MD Mingarelli

28/2 AFET (in camera), Brussels FAC debriefing SG Vimont with Cssr Füle on behalf of HR/VP

28/2 SEDE, Brussels Ongoing CSDP activities ((including debriefing on Informal FAC Defence in Budapest))

DSG Popowski


1/3 LIBE , Brussels North Africa, migration policy SG Vimont with Cssr Malmström, Coreper Chair, Frontex Director


DSG Popowski

15/3 DROI, Brussels Implications for EU Human Rights Policy of the events in the Arab World

DSG Popowski

15/3 SEDE, Brussels Situation in Libya: CSDP aspects DSG Popowski 16/3 AFET, Brussels Annual CFSP report DSG Popowski did not take the floor 16/3 EP "monitoring group" (in

camera) , Brussels Situation in the Southern Mediterranean SG Vimont

16/3 16th EU-Ukraine PCC in Brussels, Brussels

Ukraine MD Lajcak

17/3 EuroLat, Brussels Situation on the various Association Agreements and Trade Agreements signed, or presently being negotiated, between the EU and the LAC

MD Leffler

17/3 EP seminar on EU-China relations, Brussels

EU-China relations MD Isticioaia-Budura

22/3 AFET, Brussels Bahrain MD Mingarelli + Special Advisor Cooper


24/3 Joint consultation meeting (regular meeting on CFSP budget under IIA 2006) (closed meeting)

EUSRs; EULEX Kosovo PSC Chair Skoog CivOpsCmdr Klompenhouwer also present

6/4 Informal meetings with MEPs, Strasbourg

MD Mingarelli

6+7/4 Informal meetings with MEPs, Strasbourg

MD Isticioaia-Budura


DSG Popowski (tbc)

6/4 Plenary, Strasbourg Situation in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen MD Mingarelli (no active participation)

with HU Minister of state for foreign affairs Németh on behalf of HR/VP

11/4 LIBE/AFET/SEDE, Brussels

EEAS and the AFSJ related policies: the role of SitCen

SG Vimont SitCen Director Salmi also present

12/4 AFET/DEVE/SEDE, Brussels

Situation in the Ivory Coast and developments in Sudan

MD Westcott

12/4 AFET WG on Western Balkan (in camera) , Brussels

Kosovo EUSR Feith

13/4 AFET, Brussels Situation in the Western Balkans MD Lajčák 13/4 AFET (in camera) , Brussels FAC debriefing DSG Schmid With Cssr Füle on behalf of

the HR/VP


13/4 SEDE, Brussels CSDP operation in Libya DSG Popowski 13/4 SEDE, Brussels Exchange of views MD Miozzo 13/4 DEVE, Brussels Hearing on the blurring of roles

between humanitarian and military actors: state of play and perspectives

MD Miozzo

13/4 EP Special Committee (under 2002 IIA) (closed meeting), Brussels

Access to sensitive information - EUFOR Libya

DSG Popowski Took place in Council premises (JL). MEPs consulted the CMC.

19/4 EP "monitoring group" (in camera), Brussels

Situation in the Southern Neighbourhood

SG Vimont


SG Vimont


DSG Popowski


MD Leffler


MD Lajčák

11/5 Delegation for relations with Canada, Strasbourg

EU relations with LAC and Canada and exchange of views on policy issues

MD Leffler

11/5 Trilogue, Strasbourg External financing instruments MD Leffler


12/5 Delegation for relations with the US, Strasbourg

Preparatory meeting for the 70th EU-US IPM – exchange of views on EU relations

MD Leffler

24/5 AFET, Brussels Feedback on the visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank of the delegation for relations with the PLC

DSG Schmid

25/5 AFET (in camera), Brussels FAC debriefing (foreign affairs part) SG Vimont With Cssr Füle on behalf of the HR/VP

25/5 PSC informal working lunch, Brussels

With Chairs of AFET (acting), SEDE, DROI and CSDP rapporteur Gualtieri

PSC Chair Skoog (+ 27 PSC Ambassadors)

26/5 SEDE, Brussels FAC debriefing (defence part) DSG Popowski With BE MoD De Crem on behalf of HR/VP Ashton

25/5 DEVE coordinators (in camera), Brussels

FAC debriefing (development part) DSG Popowski With Cssr Piebalgs on behalf of HR/VP Ashton

30/5 Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, Brussels

Recent sanctions against Syria and the new border regime at Rafah crossing

MD Mingarelli

30/5 Delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council, Brussels

Situation in the region MD Mingarelli


MD Miozzo


7/6 Monitoring group on the situation in the Southern Mediterranean (in camera), Strasbourg

Current situation in Libya MD Miozzo


DSG Schmid



8/6 AFET Working Group on the Middle East, Strasbourg (in camera)

Exchange of views DSG Schmid

8/6 Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China, Strasbourg

Exchange of views MD Isticioaia-Budura

15/6 AFET, Brussels Hearing on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

MD Lajcak

15/6 AFET, Brussels Recommendation to the Council and Commission concerning the negotiations of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement

MD Lajcak


15/6 AFET Monitoring Group on the situation in the Southern Mediterranean (in camera), Brussels

European Endowment for Democracy and the new task force on the Southern Mediterranean

SG Vimont

15-16/6 13th EU-Moldova PCC, Brussels

State of play of negotiations for an EU-Moldova Association Agreement and the launch of the DCFTA

MD Lajcak

16/6 Delegation for relations with the Mercosur countries, Brussels

State of negotiations towards the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement

MD Leffler

21/6 AFET+DEVE, Brussels Situation in DR Congo and developments in Sudan/South Sudan

MD Westcott


23/6 Joint consultation meeting

(regular meeting on CFSP budget under IIA 2006) (closed meeting)

CSDP missions in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS + EUBAM Rafah) and state of play of EUSRs

PSC Chair Skoog CPCC HoD Deane also present

27/6 AFET (in camera), Brussels FAC debriefing SG Vimont With Cssr Füle on behalf of HR/VP Ashton


MD Marinaki


MD Mingarelli


DSG Popowski

12/7 AFET, Brussels The EU Foreign Policy towards the BRICS and other Emerging powers: objectives and strategies


13/7 Delegation for relations with India, Brussels

EU-India relations MD Isticioaia-Budura

13/7 Joint consultation meeting (regular meeting on CFSP budget under IIA 2006) (closed meeting), Brussels

EUPM BiH; EUMM Georgia PSC Chair Skoog Deputy CivOpsCmdr Janvier also present

31/8 AFET (in camera), Brussels Exchange of views HoD and EUSR BiH Sørensen


31/8 AFET (in camera), Brussels Exchange of views EUSR for the Southern Mediterranean Region Léon

8/9 Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, Brussels

Exchange of views MD Mingarelli

12/9 AFET, Strasbourg Recommendations to the Council, the Commission and EEAS on the negotiations on EU-Ukraine AA

MD Lajcak

12/9 AFET Jointly with SEDE and Maghreb delegation, Strasbourg

Exchange of views on the situation in Libya

MD Miozzo


MD Lajčák

12-13/9 Informal meetings with selected MEPs, Strasbourg

MD Miozzo

14/9 Plenary, Strasbourg Situation in Lybia, Syria + State of play of the Middle East Peace Process

SG Vimont (no active participation) with PL Europe Minister Dowgielewicz on behalf of HR/VP Ashton


SG Vimont



COO O’Sullivan


DSG Popowski (tbc)

14/9 Working lunch, Strasbourg On EEAS Corporate Board (members SG Vimont, COO O’Sullivan and DSG Popowski) and the EP rapporteurs on EEAS (MEPs Brok, Gualtieri and Verhofstadt)

20/9 Visit by selected MEPs to the Situation Room in the EEAS

Briefing in the Situation Room MD Miozzo General Van Osch, CPCC Director Haber and CMPD Director Stevens also briefed


Situation in Libya PSC Chair Skoog CMPD Director Stevens also present

22/9 Delegation for relations with the Mercosur, Brussels

Exchange of views on the state of the negotiations of the AA EU-MERCOSUR

MD Leffler



DSG Popowski


DSG Schmid


MD Leffler

3/10 DROI, Brussels Exchange of views on the Annual Report and review of EU Human Rights policy

MD Marinaki

3/10 SEDE, Brussels Ongoing CSDP activities - Exchange of views ((including debriefing on Informal FAC Defence in Wroclaw))

DSG Popowski

4/10 AFET Enlarged Bureau (in camera), Brussels

Debrief from UNGA ministerial week with focus on Middle East and Iran

DSG Schmid

5/10 AFET Working Group on EU/UN relations (in camera), Brussels

Exchange of views MD Marinaki

11/10 INTA, Brussels EU and China: Unbalanced Trade? MD Isticioaia-Budura


11/10 Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee, Brussels

Exchange of views on the visit to Chile on 5-6/9

MD Leffler


EUSR Horn of Africa and EU’s strategic approach in the region

PSC Chair Skoog CMPD Director Stevens and Acting Director Lester also present

19/10 AFET (in camera), Brussels Exchange of views HoD and EUSR BiH Quince 15/11 Informal enlarged SEDE

Bureau (in camera), Strasbourg

Informal exchange of views on CSDP (in preparation of the HR/VP debate on CSDP)

DSG Popowski


DSG Popowski


MD Leffler

16/11 Plenary, Strasbourg EU-US Summit MD Leffler (no active participation)

with Cssr de Gucht on behalf of HR/VP Ashton

29/11 DROI, Brussels Update on the Human Rights policy review and the establishment of EDD

DSG Popowski


29/11 SEDE jointly with AFET, Brussels

Peace and security architecture in Africa – Exchange of views

MD Westcott

6/12 AFET enlarged bureau (in camera), Brussels

Exchange of views on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020

COO O’Sullivan


on EULEX Kosovo PSC Chair Skoog


SG Vimont


COO O’Sullivan


DSG Popowski


MD Marinaki

PM: Members of the Corporate Board and Managing Directors also meet informally with selected MEPs on a continuous basis in Brussels.

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COUNCIL OF Brussels, 9 October 2012 THE EUROPEAN UNION 14605… · 14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 6 DG C...

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Transcript of COUNCIL OF Brussels, 9 October 2012 THE EUROPEAN UNION 14605… · 14605/1/12 REV 1 MS/agi 6 DG C...